Brain Picking for Brake Trouble Shooting

[chapstic2001]

I need some help. I was under my car over the weekend finally getting some work done. One task was to replace the rear break pads, the garage told me they were low. The drivers side pads looked fine, hardly any wear. The passanger inner pad looked the same. The outter was under a quarter left.

What would cause this? How can I fix it? I had the break fluid flushed and repalced and only drive it 50 miles or so. So I can't fault the garage for it. Any suggestions?

[Scott R]

That would be a dragging caliper. You can get a rebuild kit for the caliper. Blow the pistons out and clean up the cylinders, then replace the seals. That should take care of it.

[Frank B]

yes.. do what scott said... Harumph!!

[chapstic2001]

Who carries the rebuild kit? Would I need to bleed the brakes afterwards?

[Scott R]

Try Jason over at Paragon Products. I know that Pelican does not stock them. But I foud kits at Paragon.

And yes you will need to bleed, the best way to do this is to use a tool called a "line lock" to clamp the rubber hose off during removal, but you will need to bleed the system afterwards reguardless.

Another more costly avenue would be to aquire a brand new or rebuilt caliper assy.

[todwic]

Originally posted by Scott R


And yes you will need to bleed, the best way to do this is to use a tool called a "line lock" to clamp the rubber hose off during removal, but you will need to bleed the system afterwards reguardless.

Or a pair of visegrips

[Britwrench]

If the outer pad is worn then probably the sliding part of the caliper is stuck, pull the pads out and try and push the caliper frame. If it's stuck, spray some penetrating oil in the sliders and move it (usually with a hammer) untill it's free. Clean all the oil off and replace the pads.
No parts required.

[Dark Skies]

Originally posted by Britwrench
If the outer pad is worn then probably the sliding part of the caliper is stuck, pull the pads out and try and push the caliper frame. If it's stuck, spray some penetrating oil in the sliders and move it (usually with a hammer) untill it's free. Clean all the oil off and replace the pads.
No parts required.

BUT be sure to cover the caliper pistons because if you get any penetrating oil on the rubber seals it buggers them up and you'll get leaks. If you want to see just how quick penetrating oil buggers up rubber blow up a balloon (or condom if you want to spice things up) and spray a dab on - it'll pop in about two minutes.

[coupe]

Mr. Chapstic, I had the same troube, and ordered a re-built calipper from www.944online.com. After fitting it, the trouble was still there, if you listen while you drive, it may even make a whinning sound.

It happened to have been the bearing hub and spindle that were both wornout, this caused half of the bearing race to float, pushing the brake rotor to the brake caliper causing the sound and the premature wear of the brake pad.

Look closely at this picture.
Good luck

[chapstic2001]

Coupe, I have noticed that the when breaking it will be very rough. Actually sounding like the metal on metal. Like a very worn brake contacting with the rotor. What did you replace other than the caliper? How are your brakes working now?

[coupe]

My brakes are fine now, but I still have the old rubber hoses, not steel braided lines...I have aftermarket brake pads, and my car doesnt have ABS..

I replaced the brake pads,caliper (mistake made by workshop ) wheel bearing and hub and spindle .

I need to compare it with another 944, to be sure how good my brakes are.

[TheStig]

warped rotors can also lead to abnormal wear. might as well rebuild and replace while down there. Oh and don't forget those bearings!!!

[chapstic2001]

I am going to try the rebuild first off. Hopefully it is not the hub and spindle. While stumbling around, I found a great link on the rebuild process. I thought I would share.

http://vista.pca.org/sch/tech_articles/caliper_rebuild/caliper_rebuild.htm