Disc break question

[kamby]

Working on some disc breaks on an older for pickup. I put new calipers, shoes and rotors on. Without the calipers on the rotors spin freely. The calipers go on but are really snug and its hard to rotate the rotor when installed is this normal? I havent tried it with the tire on yet. Any suggestions. Never dealt much with disc mainly just drums

All parts are new, calipers, rotors, shoes, etc..

Its a 4x4 79 i think f150 ford.

Thanks

 

[KRS]

Re: Disc break question

Normal, they'll seat a little better when they are used.

Be sure the pads are clipped in all of the way... did you use Disk Break Quiet?

It should turn more easy with the tire on (leverage).

If it doesn't, the rotors and pads could be out of alignment due to warped rotors or skewed rotors (not fully seated).

KRS

 

[kamby]

Re: Disc break question

hmm, interesting. we had some issues with the 4x4 on the other side so we hadnt bled the breaks yet. Just seems odd that its hard to turn but with everything being new and tight tolerances. If i reverse the calipers to the other side they go on a lil bit looser but then the break line goes to the bottom of the caliper and is in the way of the steering arm.

whats funny is the shoes dont clip in at all. One hangs on the front of the caliper and the other hangs behind the rotor, no clips or anti rattle pins.

 

[KRS]

Re: Disc break question

Did you use a "C" clamp to push in the pistons before seating the new pads?

 

[kamby]

Re: Disc break question

Did you use a "C" clamp to push in the pistons before seating the new pads?

These were new calipers so they were already pushed in when we got them

 

[KRS]

Re: Disc break question

These were new calipers so they were already pushed in when we got them

Roger, hopefully someone will have more useful ideas.

Good luck!

KRS

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Disc break question

Well, it sounds like everything went on correctly. Sometimes, the new pads are just so thick, they seem to drag "a lot". I can't really tell about your truck, though. If I was there touching the discs and spinning them myself, I'd know right away. Good luck.

 

[JB]

Re: Disc break question

Doesn't anyone spell it "brake" anymore??

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Disc break question

Doesn't anyone spell it "brake" anymore??

I just figured he spelled it that way because he thinks they are broken?!

 

[kamby]

Re: Disc break (brake) question

Re: Disc break (brake) question

I just figured he spelled it that way because he thinks they are broken?!

Lol, or i wrote it on my lunch break... I always use the wrong one when im talking about brakes on a vehicle.

Once i get the other side straighten out with the 4x4, turns out it never worked on that tire with a broken engage ring. I'll piece it back together, i've read that others have the same issue and it takes a few for the pads to wear enough to find there setpoint. Which is probably what that tube of goo was to keep them quiet.

 

[bustermin]

Re: Disc break question

4X4 brakes will seem stiffer as you are turning the differential. As for the original question, I would test drive the vehicle. If it does not pull to one side or the other or seem like the wheel is getting hot, I think you are ok. If it is pulling or getting hot, chances are you have a bad brake hose, are the slides well lubricated? Be sure to resurface the drums/rotors, this will eliminate the possibility of pulsating.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Disc break question

Doesn't anyone spell it "brake" anymore??

I was thinking the same thing after seeing a bunch of posts in the trailering section with the same spelling. I guess skool isn't what it used to be

 

[Splat]

Re: Disc break question

Are you sure the slide pins are freely moving?

Bill

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Disc break question

Well, it sounds like everything went on correctly. Sometimes, the new pads are just so thick, they seem to drag "a lot". I can't really tell about your truck, though. If I was there touching the discs and spinning them myself, I'd know right away. Good luck.

I also agree.

Many times this happens and by just driving the vehicle the brakes seat and wear off the outside layer of the pad slightly. This only takes a few miles.
Put it together and bleed the system well. Make sure you have a good pedal before driving and test drive it. Nice smooth braking. And recheck if you feel you need to.

Any questions just ask..

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Disc break question

If the problem persists, then take the pads out and sand them down a bit. All of the pad manufactures have different tolenances that they let go and call it good. Its just poor quality control. I just got a new ste from Ford last weekend for my F-250 and had to take a power sander and knock a bit off all 4 pads to get them in. this is not that uncommon these days as most every thnigs is made out of the country. Mabye its a metric conversion problem.
Anyway sanding them a bit to make them fit without dragging is not going to hurt them and will save the smoking and red hot rotor burn.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: Disc break question

with new pads and rotors, sometimes they will be a bit stiff. this is due to all parts having "new" tolerances. Often aftermarket pads are a bit on the thick side, and this isnt noticed when using freshly turned used rotors, or just using the old ones as-is

 

[kamby]

Re: Disc break question

Thanks for the tips guys.

I'll let u know how it goes.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Disc break question

Maybe a little late on this one but I have to drain some brake fluid out of the reservoir to make sure the calipers do seat all the way

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Disc break question

Heres what I would do. Get some sandpaper and sand down the pads just a wee bit..It will help them BREAK IN FASTER

 

[sdgky]

Re: Disc break question

I have seen this a few times with new pads and new rotors that are aftermarket parts. As stated in the above responses the pad thickness or rotor thickness is a little over and either the pads or rotors needs to have a little of the surface taken off for more clearance. If you try to force it together and wear the extra down through use of the brakes it usually causes heat to build up and expansion, which causes everything to tighten up even more.