Urgent help - Front brake problem?

mannyo · #1 7th May 2012, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Could it be a bearing rather than the brakes?

Wheel bearings were fine at the MOT 4 weeks ago, and the car has only done 420 miles since then, there are no other symptoms like bearing noise and the wheel was not hot just the brake disk which was a lot hotter than the passenger one.

47p2 · #2 7th May 2012, 03:33 PM

I would say it's definitely not a bearing.

The piston. in the caliper will be corroded, if you can obtain new seals than remove the pistons and carefully clean the rust off them with wet & dry and rebuild. It doesn't always work as it depends on how bad they are corroded.

Easier option is to fit new calipers

cost is somewhere in the region of £65 to £80 to £149 each depending on type Link

Architex_mA8tey · #3 7th May 2012, 03:44 PM

I would agree - sticking caliper piston. I've had one do the same and only 1 of the four on the same wheel sticking has caused the disk to warp slightly when it's heated up too much and you can feel uneven travel when braking.
When we looked at it on Saturday it was caused by water/crud getting past a piston seal that wasn't on properly and causing the piston to stick.
It's not a very old caliper and we were able to free it off so I've ordered some new discs and pads today which will be fitted on Thursday. We will clean up the caliper and see how it goes.
Got a great price on Pagid OEM discs and pads from ECP as they've got a 30% off sale on over the bank holiday weekend (code holiday30) and the whole lot for the front (2 discs and all front pads) was £108 incl vat and carriage, so not too bad.

PsYcHe · #4 7th May 2012, 05:51 PM

Let us know what you think of the Pagids, as that's two so far I've heard of where we didn't think they were that great.

Architex_mA8tey · #5 7th May 2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Let us know what you think of the Pagids, as that's two so far I've heard of where we didn't think they were that great.

Strangely I had a look at what a load of different forums said and they didn't seem to come out too badly, but you've got to remember I'm lucky if I'm doing 4 or 5000 miles a year and due to the low profiles I'm not trying to drive it too fast either so I guess its each to their own. My last ones have been somewhat wasted/ruined by the sticking caliper so I'd have been even more upset if they were mega expensive ones. . . lol

Anyways I will give them a run up to the annual meet soon and let everyone know. It seems the Ferodos have a good name for brake pads but what does everyone else think? Seems to be one of those areas where 10 people will all have a different opinion!

PsYcHe · #6 7th May 2012, 07:46 PM

The Pagids worked OK, but just didn't feel they had the 'bite' of the previous ones. But for the price (I got mine on special from ECP too), they were good. The ferodo (DS2500?) always seem to get a good write up.

mannyo · #7 8th May 2012, 10:00 AM

Garage took a look at it this morning, up on ramps and all seems good. No signs of overheated brake disc, and both pads look to be in good order. I took the car for another run including several sharp stops , and it seems to be working at the moment.

I am driving 144 miles from Stevenage to Blandford shortly, so lets hope it continues this way. At least once I am at home getting it sorted is easier than here.

mannyo · #8 8th May 2012, 05:59 PM

I got back to Dorset, although I am still not convinced all is well. I did the trip in several different legs.

First was Stevenage to Watford to meet up with a friend, no smell.
Second was Watford to Winchester Services, again no smell.
Third was Winchester Services to Tesco in Blandford, again no smell.
But
Fourth was Tesco to home, about 2.5 miles across town, and I am sure there was a smell when I got home. However, the there may have been hint of oilyness in the air. perhaps the smells cause is something totally different.

Engine oil level normal, brake fluid level normal,

Maybe there is some oil sitting on the block somewhere and due to the slow drive across town then there was a build up in the engine bay, I really don't know.

Architex_mA8tey · #9 8th May 2012, 06:06 PM

Or maybe when you're doing local driving around town you're both braking more plus turning the wheel more which emphasises the binding brakes issue if it's there and underlying. it will therefore heat up quicker and smell quicker.

I still feel you need to check the calipers a bit more thoroughly. . .

thebluewhale · #10 8th May 2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Maybe there is some oil sitting on the block somewhere and due to the slow drive across town then there was a build up in the engine bay, I really don't know.

Does it smell like brakes/clutch or is it a stronger, more acrid smell?

From what you've said, especially as it's on the passenger side, it may be the output flange seal on the gearbox leaking fluid onto the nearside cat.

Could be miles out though but worth a look.