Bad Break Caliper?
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Bad Break Caliper?
Hey all, first time poster here.
I just got a 1998 F-150 XLT 4x4 Extended cab. I put new pads and rotors on it as they were really glazed and it wasnt stopping very well.
Well today I loaded it up with some firewood, not too radical just even with the top of the 6' bed. Anyway when I got home (5 mile drive at most no hills) I smelled overheated brakes. I unloaded and then took it easy going back out to cut. When I got out in the woods again I realized it hadnt gotten any better, still hot and even smoking a bit.
Here is the kicker. Its only the passenger side front. The rotor got quite hot and discolored. The driver side looks fine. Do I have a bad caliper? The break job was uneventful and from what I can tell you pretty much CANT put it together wrong.
Advice/opinions appreciated.
I just got a 1998 F-150 XLT 4x4 Extended cab. I put new pads and rotors on it as they were really glazed and it wasnt stopping very well.
Well today I loaded it up with some firewood, not too radical just even with the top of the 6' bed. Anyway when I got home (5 mile drive at most no hills) I smelled overheated brakes. I unloaded and then took it easy going back out to cut. When I got out in the woods again I realized it hadnt gotten any better, still hot and even smoking a bit.
Here is the kicker. Its only the passenger side front. The rotor got quite hot and discolored. The driver side looks fine. Do I have a bad caliper? The break job was uneventful and from what I can tell you pretty much CANT put it together wrong.
Advice/opinions appreciated.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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when you put new pucks on they are thicker. you pushed the piston back into the bore. sometimes there is crud on the insdie of the boot that gets "stick" on the piston and causes it to bind in the bore when pushed back out. --- you also need to clean the slides that lets the caliper move sideways when pressure in applied. fix is to take ti back apart, stroke the piston, see that it works o.k., put antisieze ont eh slideds and try again. push on the pedal and stroke it a few times and then rotate the disc before you put the tire back on and cover it up.
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Thanks for the reply, will give that a go in the morning.
Follow up question if I may. While the rotor is discolored it did not warp nor does it appear glazed. Should I turn it or even rough it up with some emery or should I not worry at this point?
Follow up question if I may. While the rotor is discolored it did not warp nor does it appear glazed. Should I turn it or even rough it up with some emery or should I not worry at this point?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
Another strong possiblility is a collapsed brake line. If will allow the fluid to pass through to the caliper under pressure, but will act as a checkvalve when the pedal is relased and will cause the caliper to remain clamped.
I wouldn't worry about the rotor at this momemnt. If it warps or glazes, then replace it.
Need to fix the problem with the caliper/hose first.
Steve
I wouldn't worry about the rotor at this momemnt. If it warps or glazes, then replace it.
Need to fix the problem with the caliper/hose first.
Steve
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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i normally scuff up a disc with 60 grit sand paper when i reuse them. it gets any glaze or burn oil off the face and dont hurt a bit to have fine scratches in the surface. i very seldom replace discs. have turned more than one on my big lathe, and not a real fine finish.
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I have not had the opportunity to tear that side down yet. Yesterday was spent installing a new passenger side power window motor (learned a few new cuss words in the process), replacing a bad PCV hose end and chasing that dreaded spark knock issue.
I am hoping to get to the brakes tomorrow.
Bed them in?
I am hoping to get to the brakes tomorrow.
A question I have, if you just put those brakes on very recently, is: Did you bed them in properly right after installation?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Southeast FLA
Originally Posted by Shimjocky
Bed them in?
Yes, if they were barely used before the load, or used for light stops, you could end up with the condition you had if they were not bedded in properly.
You may want to research it a bit - I'm at work, so I don't have my links handy.
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