I haven't been driving my 98 Forester much for the last few years, but I have been trying to get it out on the roads every few weeks. I'm saving it for the kids use. Wanted to get it out this afternoon for some errands in a thunderstorm. Started just fine this afternoon, but the car would not roll forward. Really feels like the passenger front caliper is stuck on. Is that possible? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any ideas. -matt wills

If the parking brake was not left on and it is indeed the front, then it is probably rust buildup or similar.

Does it roll backwards?

Make sure there is nothing in the way and apply gas until it breaks free.

O.

I got on the gas a bit to roll it forward and back. I think I was spinning the back wheels? I was surprised it didn't pop loose. Then I started to worry it was something more serious. There doesn't appear to be anything physically blocking the car but it is backed in tight to a spot up against a work bench. Thanks again... -mw

Would spraying something on the rotor be a horrible idea?

6 hours ago, mdub71 said:

Would spraying something on the rotor be a horrible idea?

Only if it’s not brake cleaner. 

Cheers 

Bennie

• Can you get a jack under the front to jack and spin the wheels by hand?

13 hours ago, lmdew said:

• Can you get a jack under the front to jack and spin the wheels by hand?

^+1

Jack  it up, remove the calipers, rotate the wheels, use a c clamp or similar to push the pistons back, then remount.

Push brake so you have some stopping power , then try the gas again.

O.

Edited March 20, 20206 yr by ocei77

Thanks All

With caliper pulled off, check to see if the slide pins move easily. If not, squirt PB blaster into the pin assembly, wait a bit, then try to move the frozen slide pin.