Front Brakes (91 Ford Tempo GL)
Edit By:Care Cars
Q:Hi,
I just got new rotors and pads on the front brakes of my 91 ford tempo. I also had to re-place the drivers side front caliper. Now while driving it today around a hilly area when I came to stop at the bottom of a hill It seemed to feel kind of uneasy and the brake pedel went down awful far also there was a burnin' smell. When getting out I determined the smell was coming from the drivers side. What does this sound like???
I just got new rotors and pads on the front brakes of my 91 ford tempo. I also had to re-place the drivers side front caliper. Now while driving it today around a hilly area when I came to stop at the bottom of a hill It seemed to feel kind of uneasy and the brake pedel went down awful far also there was a burnin' smell. When getting out I determined the smell was coming from the drivers side. What does this sound like???
A:Sounds like an improper brake repair. What scares me is that cars like that are on the road with people I love.
Off the top of my head you either have a drivers side caliper that's sticking or more likely a passenger side caliper that wasn't bled properly. I vote for #2. Either way it's dangerous to drive until it's repaired and can also damage expensive new parts.
Off the top of my head you either have a drivers side caliper that's sticking or more likely a passenger side caliper that wasn't bled properly. I vote for #2. Either way it's dangerous to drive until it's repaired and can also damage expensive new parts.
Random Tip:Detail Your Car to Keep it Looking Brand New
A:I figer it's the passengers side caliper too. Thanks for the info It's much appricated
A:If your under 500 miles since the repair it is some what normal to smell the brakes. You are suppose to light brake for at least 500 miles after a brake job. The reason being is when there new they generate allot more heat and can warp the rotors before they are cured in. The next question I have is did you put caliper lube on the slides / bolts? Lot of people don't even know what caliper lube is this is not the anti squel that goes on the back of the pads either. It sounds like you have air in the lines somewhere and if the brake smell continues beyond the 500 mile mark you have a caliper hanging up.
Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.
Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.
Random Tip:How To Avoid Collisions When Driving
A:Time to re-read some of your automotive repair books. Light braking for 500 miles? Not even realistic. There's a proper way to brake in new pads, and that ain't even close. New pads actually generate LESS heat because of a lower coefficient of friction than used pads, caused mostly be material transfer to the rotors. And if his brake smell lasts 500 miles, he'll probably be metal to metal by then.