front brake question
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front brake question
I started noticing a hot smell in my from end a week or so ago and today I stopped at a light and saw smoke comming from it. My fromt locking hubs, calipers and rotors were very hot. I took the front wheels off and spun the rotors, however they dont spin freely. If I put a clamp on the calipers and retract the brakes a little, they spin fine. I rebled the brakes, still had the problem so I put another caliper off of an old truck on to see if that would fix it. It didn't. My question is, how freely should the front wheels spin and what could this be. I searched and found people with the same problem with one wheel, but ot both. I would like to see if this could be something simple before I replace my calipers.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
year, vehicle, and model?
If I had to guess, maybe your wheel bearings are too tight, too loose, not lubed, or worn out. On the 4x4s it is important to torque the locknuts on the correct way.
It could be calipers, though mostly it is a problem on the 80s Rangers/Broncos with the plastic piston.
It should spin easily, but, not enough to make a full circle without the tire on the rotor. You should be able to spin it easily by hand.
If I had to guess, maybe your wheel bearings are too tight, too loose, not lubed, or worn out. On the 4x4s it is important to torque the locknuts on the correct way.
It could be calipers, though mostly it is a problem on the 80s Rangers/Broncos with the plastic piston.
It should spin easily, but, not enough to make a full circle without the tire on the rotor. You should be able to spin it easily by hand.
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I had my bearings inspected by a shop and they said they are OK and that my problem was probably my calipers. I replaced the calipers the other day and it still seams to me like it is getting too hot. When I jack up the truck it is obviouse that the brakes shoes are rubbing on the rotors. I can spin the wheels, but they don't spin very freely. I realize that the brakes getting hot is normal, but when I get out of the truck I can smell a "hot" smell and the front locking hubs are very hot. What else could cause the brakes to drag too much? I just finished converting the truck from 2wd to 4wd and the rear end that was under it was anti-lock and the new one is not, could this contribute to the problem? The truck is an 89 f150 with a 300 I6 that now has an 87 f150 4wd drive train under it.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Maybe A collapsed hose??
Hello,
I'm not sure, but it is possible you may have a rubber Brake Line that is collapsed and not allowing the fluid to readily return to the Master Cylinder.
I have not experienced this problem, but I've only heard of it.
Others on this website are much better than I am at troubleshooting. However it is a guess.
Take Care
Gary
I'm not sure, but it is possible you may have a rubber Brake Line that is collapsed and not allowing the fluid to readily return to the Master Cylinder.
I have not experienced this problem, but I've only heard of it.
Others on this website are much better than I am at troubleshooting. However it is a guess.
Take Care
Gary
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Tyrone GA
Replace your rubber brake lines. The previous poster hit it right on the nail ! when the brake lines get old, they will sometimes suck in air and it wont allow the piston in the caliper to retract fully, causing the pads to drag.
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Hello alcan60283, and everyone else.
Now I have a question, My 89 Taurus which has approximately 13,000 miles on it (yes 13,000). It is garaged all the time and occasionally driven in the summer (never seen rain yet). Anyhow I take very good care of her. Two years ago (the last time I drove her) I was a couple of hundred miles from home and My Front RH Brake started to heat up alot. I pulled over and let the Brake cool down. I took off the wheel, and exercised the caliper piston by pushing down on the Brake, then using a C-Clamp to push it back into position. Anyhow, I had no more problems for the drive home. Could this problem crop up again? And might it be due to infrequent use?
Do you have any recommendations other than more frequent use?
Thank You Very Much in advance for any answers
Gary
Now I have a question, My 89 Taurus which has approximately 13,000 miles on it (yes 13,000). It is garaged all the time and occasionally driven in the summer (never seen rain yet). Anyhow I take very good care of her. Two years ago (the last time I drove her) I was a couple of hundred miles from home and My Front RH Brake started to heat up alot. I pulled over and let the Brake cool down. I took off the wheel, and exercised the caliper piston by pushing down on the Brake, then using a C-Clamp to push it back into position. Anyhow, I had no more problems for the drive home. Could this problem crop up again? And might it be due to infrequent use?
Do you have any recommendations other than more frequent use?
Thank You Very Much in advance for any answers
Gary
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 114
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From: Tyrone GA
Sure. DOT3 brake fluid when allowed to sit, will let moisture to absorb into it. This will cause very spongy brakes because the water will boil under the high temperatures. This is probably your problem, since you allow the car to sit for so long. I would flush your brake fluid at this point, with some brand new DOT3. Take a look at the coloration too, new brake fluid should be clear, if not, it has sucked in contaminates and is probably full of moisture too.
