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#383090 02/02/02 05:50 AM
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I posted this in "problems" forum, but I would also like to get the opinion of the local experts:

Hey guys...on my way home tonight when about 1/2 mile from my house my passenger side front brake caliper decides to lock-up!!! Since I am close to home I decide to drive slowly the rest of the way. When arriving home, I inspect the brakes and notice that my rotor is glowing bright orange and a few flames are coming from my brake pads/caliper !!! Anyone have any experience with this phenomenon???
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#383091 02/02/02 03:55 PM
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No but it sounds like the piston in the caliper froze up and locked the brake in place. It maybe repairable by taking it apart and lubricating the moving parts. The pads however should be replaced because I am willing to bet they won't match. Also you should probably have your rotors measured and turned.


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#383092 02/03/02 05:03 AM
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If your rotor was that hot, you will have to worry about the strength of the metal being reduced. Metals are heat treated to get the proper strength. If you heat them up enough they become soft again. I would get a new rotor, and hope that the caliper and caliper mount didn't get hot enough to weaken too much. Also change the brake fluid. Flush all the fluid out on the front lines.
There are a few reasons that calipers sieze up, most of the time it is because the fluid got water from the air and caused rust inside the bore. The piston can't slide easy and so it sticks. I change my fluid once per year or with brake jobs, whichever comes first.
I have had brake fade from hard braking one day, changed the fluid the next day and not had any more fade during hard stops. The moisture issue is a BIG deal with brakes, and doubly so when you are a fast driver and hard breaker.

I advise everyone to change their fluid once per year, and if you haven't yet, do it ASAP.

warmonger


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#383093 02/03/02 10:30 PM
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Oh, and don't forget to pull the caliper apart. The easies way is to pull the caliper and put a piece of 1x2 in between the piston and the outer arms. Push on the break pedal until the piston pops out. You will then have to clean the bore in the caliper and hone it as well as replace the seal. Do this at a minumum if your caliper has siezed.
Try to find a caliper rebuild kit.

warmonger


You can call me anything you like as long as it's nice.(all lies accepted)
99 Silver Frost SVT. #226 of 2760
Engine: 3.0 power!
Unique Stuff: Sunroof control module (#1 of 9)
Car Audio: Loaded and loud!
Check them out at
http://home.earthlink.net/~twilson1726
#383094 02/04/02 05:15 AM
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Thanks for the info Kaiser and warmonger! I actually have an extended warranty that should cover some, if not all, of the repairs. I will find out tomorrow. The rotor is definately shot, as is the pad. Depending on what the warranty covers, this may be a good time to upgrade the brakes.


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Born 4/2/97 - #104/6535
No Res
KKM Intake
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RF Sound

1989 Porsche 928S4 - 316hp
#383095 02/04/02 05:34 AM
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L8 Apexing Aussie "Stazi" gets good deals on powerstop rotors if you are upgrading. He mentioned this to me when he was here last.


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