Jaybird1980
Grandmaster
Yes clean those channels good when you do brakes, I lightly grease the channels, then install new hardware. The pads have to move freely in those channels or they can't release away from the disc.Both calipers in question were replaced about 60k miles ago when I first got the truck together. They were not OEM, but from one of the main stores. Likely Advance. I think the driver rear was replaced a second time many moons ago via Rock Auto.
I've never disassembled a caliper. I can look into the process, but considering they've been replaced, is it worth looking at? I mean. I guess so. Something is wrong. Might as well check all involved components.
Floating pads? Like... They sit in a bracket that is attached to the axle, then the caliper bolts to that bracket. The pads have ears that ride in little channels on that bracket. I didn't take the bracket off and clean those channels out, but I did lube the rails up last time and also made sure that the pads were moving freely. Still locked up within a couple of days.
Most Calipers are actually pretty basic once you take one apart you will see there isn't much to em