Thx sacs, ill try that.

 

Bringing back a thread from the dead...

Yesterday when I got home from work, after an apprx. 15 mile drive (half highway, half city streets), I noticed smoke coming from my drivers side front wheel. It also smelled really bad. Now, I wasn't braking any different from how I normally brake, so it arose some concern. My pads and rotors have been on there for just under a year, so they're fine, and definitely don't have any residue on them. Any other causes for the tiny bit of smoke I saw? Or the smell?

Also, my wheel was REALLY freaking hot to the touch. I couldnt touch it for more than a couple seconds because it was so hot.

Any ideas?

 

maybe a wheel bearing is going. shake the wheel and see if there is an abnormal amount of play. its easier to see if you shake it top to bottom, not side to side, because it will move the steering rack side to side a little.

 

I will give that a shot on my lunch break, thanks sac

 

also inspect them pads again...make sure they're still parallel to the rotor

 

I had the exact same problem on one of my rear wheels, the smoke, the burning acrid smell, and the very hot wheel. Turns out the caliper had seized and was pushing the pad against the disc. The smell is the buring asbestos in the pad generated from the heat build up, You will need a new caliper or just the part with the piston in it, should also buy new pads while your at it.

 

well.....that ****ing blows now don't it?

I went out on lunch and inspected the tire, there is no movement side to side, or top to bottom, so the wheel bearing idea is out. I'll have to swing by my buddy's house on my way home and grab my jack today, a-hole took it without telling me. I'll pull the tire off and see what's goin on...more to come

 

Think you can wind the caliper piston back in, but its hit and miss if it will work and I didnt want to risk it so just bought a new one, it wasnt cheap either! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

sounds like a frozen caliper... except that its not pulling im guessing... so two frozen calipers wouldnt make sence. when you bleed the brakes your suppost to bleed the one furthest from the master cylender first. and then work your way in

 

SO, upon further inspection, my brakes work just fine. Any other ideas?

Is is possible that I could have sucked something into the brakes and I was smelling that burning?

I haven't smelled it, or seen the smoke since that one time, so I'm a bit confused.


I might take advantage of MIdas's free brake inspection and see what they think. Then go buy parts and do the work myself...if need be