Front brakes dragging

I was inspecting my front brake and I noticed that the brake seemed right up against the rotor. I have the front wheel off with the parking brake on (which shouldn't matter since the ebrake only works on the rear drums), and I can turn the hub but I hear a dragging noise.

I took a marker and put a red line across the disc brake, and the pad wiped off most of the line. I don't need new pads, but the spring isn't doing its job, what should I try?

 

The calipers get rusted and sticky over time. There are rebuild kits available for them, or just get new calipers. Not all that expensive.

Make sure the dragging isn't caused by a possibly party collapsed hose leading to the caliper. Open the bleeder valve, and see if the dragging is released. If so, something is holding pressure in the caliper. Most likely a flexible hose partly collapsed internally. There may be no external, visible signs.

Always go with OEM parts!
Make sure to bleed the system completely after replacing the calipers, front and rear And don't forget the LSPV, if so equipped. Also, check the brake pedal adjustments to ensure the pedal isn't holding pressure in the brake lines.

Good luck!
Pat☺

 

You’re not still reusing the stainless shim on the back of the pads are you?

 

There are no springs involved.

Put the wheel on and give her a good spin.

If it spins free and all you hear is a bit of rubbing of the caliper to the pad, you may just have a slightly warped rotor\pads.

As long as the pads are wearing evenly, I don't much worry about things like that.

Like was said, you can do a caliper rebuild. TOYOTA sells a kit for like $20 that does both sides. I did mine and it was easy with a youtube vid.