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Why is rim/wheel smoking & burning?

Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:40 pm
by Neko
I have a 91 legacy, I had front brakes put on it 10 months ago and there are only 900 miles on these brakes, I dont drive much.

Well today I did a small trip and when I got home the drivers side wheel/rim was smoking like crazy (coming out of the holes in the rim) and the burning smell was aweful.

What can be the problem?

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:00 am
by 93forestpearl
Sounds to me like a sticking caliper and the pads are burning. I've had this happen on the rear. I replaced the caliper and all was well.


I'd take the wheels off and look at the pads and rotor. If it is that bad you should see noticably more pad wear than the other side, and a bunch of distinguished pad outlines on the rotor.

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:06 am
by Neko
93forestpearl wrote:Sounds to me like a sticking caliper and the pads are burning. I've had this happen on the rear. I replaced the caliper and all was well.


I'd take the wheels off and look at the pads and rotor. If it is that bad you should see noticably more pad wear than the other side, and a bunch of distinguished pad outlines on the rotor.
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I thought it might be a sticking caliper, where would I buy a caliper?

My brakes are awefully noisy/squealing, could that also be the caliper?

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:38 am
by 93forestpearl
Pretty much any auto parts store should be able to get you a caliper.



You might be down to the wear tab already, but everyone's definition of sqeaking/squealing is different. Some brakes squeak brand new.

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:44 am
by Neko
Thanks..... I'll have it checked out.

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:03 am
by Skruyd
You might want to check/replace your brake hose too. If it collapsed it can make the caliper stick also. Easiest way to check is to try and push the piston back. If it doesn't go back open the bleeder and try again. If it goes back then it's the hose. If it don't then it's the caliper.