Caliper seized/ locked up?? what to do!?

[csvt99]

I believe my front left caliper just seized up. Something seemed wrong and I could smell something hot coming from the wheel. Didn't notice the car pulling to the side though. This same thing happened to my right caliper 2 years ago. I had new ford calipers put on the front about 3 years ago (@ 45,000 miles) and then another new one was put on the front right 2 years ago when it seized up. Whats going on? Are the Ford calipers only good for 20,000 or less miles???

I'm not quite sure how to tell if it really is seized up or not, I guess I should just take it to a garage

Note: the first one that seized up only had 6,000 miles on it.

 

[Tony2005]

I think it has more to do with the pads. I honestly think the Ford pads are not the best there is. Ford pads used to last 12K to 20K for me. The most recent time, I got brakes done for my Contour, I went to All Tune and Lube (most probably generics) and it has lasted me 45K miles so far.

 

[csvt99]

I'm not using the ford pads though...mintex A/F street is what I'm using if I can remember correctly

 

[csvt99]

Does anybody know if there is a potential way to fix this problem without replacing the entire caliper like I did the last time? I'd like to save some $$$ if possible. Perhaps this thread should be moved to the brake section?