Major Brake Problems!!!!

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Dec 15, 2003 | 09:15 PM

bronco351

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Major Brake Problems!!!!

Hey guys, the problem is with my 1990 Bronco. Here is some background on the truck:

The truck has a 6" lift, 35" tires. I just had a brake job done about a year and a half ago!! In that time I put 5,200 miles on the truck. Recently I started having brake problems.

My problems are as follows: My Front brakes are squeaking. Also if the front brakes get any moisture on them at all they will grab like crazy and lock up the tires, when you step on the brake pedal.

Next I have this squeak noise that sounds once every tire revolution. If I press on the brake pedal the noise will stop.

By the way the truck has 155,000 miles on the calipers. I would appreciate any help you guys could give me. My last brake job cost me $300 and now it SUCKS!!! THanks in advance!!

Last edited by bronco351; Dec 15, 2003 at 10:00 PM.

Dec 15, 2003 | 10:16 PM

bronco351

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Dec 15, 2003 | 10:26 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

ok Lets see...where to start...first only applies if you haven't upgraded.... Factory brakes, typically arent meant to be used with that size of tire. Too much stress. Can cause warpage and hence the issues you have. If you have upgraded, and hopefully to ceramic pads as well, then I would take the rotors in to have em turned. If that was already done at the brake job you mentioned, take em in to a local parts store and just have them check the rotors. Could be they weren't done right or got warped again. Also check to make sure the pads are seating right in the calipers. If they are off one way or ther other, then you can get the same issues as well as the locking up when wet. They will slip and not meat face to face in the rotor and dig one edge in more than the other making them grab. Also make sure that the rears are adjusted correctly. Even though most of your braking power is in the front, the rears do some of the work. too much to the front can cause premature wear and overheating, causing warping...etc etc etc. Just a place to start.

Dec 16, 2003 | 08:02 AM

bronco351

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Yeah that was my thinking also. Frankly, the people that did the brakes on my Bronco last, were as dumb as rocks.

When I took my wheel off to look at the brakes I noticed something strange. I can move the brake pads forward and backward about 1/2 an inch!! Is this normal?? It looks as if the pin that holds them in place ripped through the back of the pad.

Next question... I can get an awesome deal on a set of brand-new cross drilled rotors but, they are for a 4x4 explorer? Will these rotors fit my 1990 Bronco??

Thanks in Advance!!

P.S. My brakes are completely stock except.. Stainless steel braided brake lines, and ceramic pads.

Also I am not having any problems with the rear brakes!!

Dec 16, 2003 | 08:50 AM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

Oh gawd no. I have barely 1/32 of movement with my pads. Maybe they put the wrong ones on. Now I do know that the standard semi-metaalic pads, you arent supposed to beat on the tabs to tighten em up. But even if I dont, mine dont have hardley any movement. I am not sure about ceramics tho. Just have to be real careful not to bust the pad itself. But just the same, get new pads and compare em to your existing ones. If they are moving that much on the caliper, something is definately wrong.