Brakes Lock Up after washing the Car

[bono83]

I have a 1Lt. Every time I wash the car, my brakes stick. I use only Zaino products to wash the car. I'm not using any kind of wheel cleaner, just the Zaino car wash. I thought it was the parking brake that was sticking so this time I washed the car and put it in the garage for 2 days but did not use the parking brake. When I went to back out of the garage today, the brakes were completely locked up. The car would not move in forward or reverse. I finally dumped the clutch in reverse at about 2000 RPM's and they broke free with a large jolt/clunk and a squealing of the rear tires. My wife came running out of the house into the garage thinking I just crashed the car because the clunk was so loud. After that, the car seemed to drive fine with no noise, vibration, or noticeable drag. This doesn't happen with my other cars using the same cleaning products.

Is anyone else experiencing this? Any ideas why the brakes are sticking? I'm wondering if it has to do with the the factory pads. Maybe they have a high metal component and the metal in the pads are rusting and attaching to the rotors?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[cowjazz]

It is normal. Drive your car around the block, and apply the brakes to get the rust off of your rotors.

[rydahog]

the metal rotors rust a lot on many cars, causing this situation.and it happens fast...maybe cover the wheels before you wash,.. good luck

[bi11ymc]

After washing, drive around the block using the brakes liberally to clean the water off them. Then put the car away.

[JProberts]

I have to disagree here, I'm no mechanic by any means but I have never had a problem like the one you described on this car in the 1 year I have been washing it......or any other car in my 20+ years of washing my cars.

It almost sounds like you have a caliber sticking or something.

I can't really say honestly but that can't be from just washing....not what you described. Take it to the dealer and have them look at it....still under warranty so nothing lost by taking it in.

Are your rotors hot when you wash the car and this happens?

Good luck

[Inspector 17]

This definitely doesn't sound normal. Squeaking brakes after getting wet or damp I understand, but a complete lockup just doesn't jive. Do you hear any noise (like dragging brakes) from your car under normal driving conditions? Perhaps the brakes are adjusted too closely to the rotors? I would definitely take it to the dealer.

[JusticePete]

The brakes sticking after washing or being put away wet is normal. I finally dumped the clutch in reverse at about 2000 RPM's doesn't sound normal. They should have come loose without having to do a mini drag launch. If everything seems to be normal, maybe they were just more rusty than normal after this particular wash.

[dannkimmel]

ever since i started washing my car inside the garage i have had the same problem.(not moveing car after wash)
metalic pads and rotors rust alittle and stick to each other.
i see no reason to be alarmed..like others said drive around the block to dry off the brakes before putting car away.

[bono83]

The problem is definitely related to washing. Before washing, there is no drag, grinding, pulsating or anything like it. After washing and parking the car in the garage is the only time they stick. This last time was by far the worst when they were completely locked. I didn't think I was going to be able to get the car to move they were stuck so bad. Once I get them freed up, everything goes back to normal.

Thanks to all of you for the input. I'm gonna have to try driving it after washing to make sure I get all the water and flash rust off the pads and rotors.

[clg_98ta]

I've never has any problems with brakes sticking after washing, and I always wash the wheels. The rust that can appear after the rotors get wet is normal, but if it causes more than a slight resistance, I'd be worried. I think you have a caliper problem as well.

I'd suggest that the next time this happens, try and determine which wheel is the problem and examine the caliper. This assumes that you can get the car jacked up, which may be a problem if its in the garage. I do not recommend the 2K clutch dump again...

[Fishdadddy]

Mine stick after a wash too. I don't like driving at all after I wash. Since I usually cover it up when I'm done. (It is not a DD). I don't have to do much more than just take off in first gear in a normal fashion though. If you seriously had to give it that much of a launch, I would have your calipers checked out.

[Rickerbucks]

I have had my Brakes 'freeze' on a rare occassion after a wash. Again, i have always assumed it was a little occidization / rust. That being said....it does nto take very much to release them.

[Russell James]

It's normal. Mine does it. Many cars with performance brakes (high metallic content pads) do it.

After washing buzz it up and down the driveway a few times applying the brakes hard. The rotors are bare iron. They will rust in seconds after getting wet.

When I picked up my car brand new from a dealer with 2 miles on it, it was stuck in place. They had washed it and then let it sit for a couple hours before I got there. Had to rev it a bit more and a pretty quick clutch release to break it free.

[motorhead]

common problem, I've had many cars do the same.