Front brakes dragging?
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
Front brakes dragging?
Hi all,
Been hearing a little chirping from one of my brakes, so I wanted to test to see if any of them are dragging. I rebuild the rear brakes, replaced drums, brake cables, shoes, etc. just a couple months ago, but it's been a number of years since I've done anything with the front.
I jacked up the front end today and spun both of the front tires. I tried to listen for dragging, but remembered that I had a small pack of balance beads in each tire, so the sound from them was enough to mask any dragging I might hear.
Just how many times should a front tire spin freely? (Made sure the hubs were unlocked). I spun them both and one spun about 1 1/2 times by itself, and the other about 2 revolutions. Is this normal? Or should they be free enough to spin, say, 5 to 10 times.
Wondering if my front brakes dragging would explain my gas mileage drops.
Thanks for any input.
Been hearing a little chirping from one of my brakes, so I wanted to test to see if any of them are dragging. I rebuild the rear brakes, replaced drums, brake cables, shoes, etc. just a couple months ago, but it's been a number of years since I've done anything with the front.
I jacked up the front end today and spun both of the front tires. I tried to listen for dragging, but remembered that I had a small pack of balance beads in each tire, so the sound from them was enough to mask any dragging I might hear.
Just how many times should a front tire spin freely? (Made sure the hubs were unlocked). I spun them both and one spun about 1 1/2 times by itself, and the other about 2 revolutions. Is this normal? Or should they be free enough to spin, say, 5 to 10 times.
Wondering if my front brakes dragging would explain my gas mileage drops.
Thanks for any input.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 509
Likes: 4
From: Casper, Wyoming
I'd say you'd need a mighty strong arm to spin the wheel more than a couple times. The difference between the two wheels has more to do with the brakes than anything else.I doubt it's the cause of your mileage problem.
If/when you pull the brakes, make sure you lubricate the caliper/knuckle interface with silicone grease, NOT dielectric grease or regular grease. It's the secret to long lasting, non binding brakes. I used to (fifteen years ago) go through a set of rotors every brake job; I've been using the same rotors for over a 100K now. The grease allows the caliper to find its center on the rotor, and helps the pads to wear evenly. If you want the Ford part number, let me know and I'll look in my file.
If/when you pull the brakes, make sure you lubricate the caliper/knuckle interface with silicone grease, NOT dielectric grease or regular grease. It's the secret to long lasting, non binding brakes. I used to (fifteen years ago) go through a set of rotors every brake job; I've been using the same rotors for over a 100K now. The grease allows the caliper to find its center on the rotor, and helps the pads to wear evenly. If you want the Ford part number, let me know and I'll look in my file.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
Some of that silicone grease sounds like a great idea.
I was mainly curious about the how many revolutions because I wasn't how freely the wheels spin when there's no binding. Probably have to give them a good spin sometime when the brakes are completely removed.
Been hearing some chirping lately and sometimes can smell a little brake when I get out and walk past the tires. Never a fan of my vehicle fighting itself to go forward.
Maybe I'll keep my eyes out for one of those random "free brake inspections."
I was mainly curious about the how many revolutions because I wasn't how freely the wheels spin when there's no binding. Probably have to give them a good spin sometime when the brakes are completely removed.
Been hearing some chirping lately and sometimes can smell a little brake when I get out and walk past the tires. Never a fan of my vehicle fighting itself to go forward.
Maybe I'll keep my eyes out for one of those random "free brake inspections."
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 509
Likes: 4
From: Casper, Wyoming
I'd beware of those free brake inspections. You'll probably get hosed.
If you lived closer, I'd be happy to show you how. I've done dozens of brake jobs.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
I'm always wary of those inspections and take most anything they say as guidelines. No matter what any shop ever tells me, I always do my own work, so there's no real point in them telling me bogus stuff. 
As for doing the work itself, the help'd always be much appreciated. I've done quite a few brake jobs before. Just picking people's brains to see if it's time to save up and do another one...
As for doing the work itself, the help'd always be much appreciated. I've done quite a few brake jobs before. Just picking people's brains to see if it's time to save up and do another one...
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