Brakes, calipers not working properly

ROBERTBARNES62

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
6.0L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

I changed my rear pads and rotors two days ago. On both sides, drivers, and passengers, one of the pistons (2 piston caliper) was hard to go back in but they did go back in fully. I noticed that I was getting a burning smell as well as a little smoke from the rear brakes. I read sometimes that is normal due to the pads not curing yet. So, I continued to drive the truck. But today when I check them the passenger side is no longer smelling or smoking but the driver side is. If it is a sticking caliper, should I hear a crapping noise while driving? Also, if I use an infrared temperature gun what is an acceptable temperature?

In the video the tapping noise is in the background not from the truck.

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5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Hi,

I noticed smoke at the end of the video. How much of a delay is there? Also, lift the wheel off the ground and have a helper press the brakes until the wheel locks. Have them release the brake. Are you able to turn it again right away?

As far as the smoke is concerned, it isn't uncommon for the oils on new rotors to smoke, but how long has this been happening?

As far as temperature is concerned, under normal road driving conditions, I wouldn't expect them to get much hotter than 400F.

Is the driver's side the caliper that was sticking?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 31st, 2022 AT 7:41 PM

ROBERTBARNES62

MEMBER
83 POSTS

I drove about five miles and when I parked, I could smell it very well. I then seen smoke, there was a light wind, so I think that’s why it didn’t show really good until the end of the video. I changed the pads and rotors Tuesday so about two days. Yes, it is the rear driver's side. I think it is the caliper. When I changed the pads, it was very hard to push the caliper pistons back in.

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Thursday, March 31st, 2022 AT 7:49 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Chances are you are correct. However, lift that wheel off the ground and turn it by hand. See if there is an excessive drag. If there isn't, have a helper press the brake pedal and release it. See if the caliper releases right away or does it take an extended period of time.

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 31st, 2022 AT 8:47 PM

ROBERTBARNES62

MEMBER
83 POSTS

Thank you, it has excessive drag. I am going to replace the caliper today when I get off work. If I have any more problems out of it, I will let you know.

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Friday, April 1st, 2022 AT 5:33 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Hi,

Let me know if that helps. Also, since the vehicle likely has ABS, make sure when you work on it not to allow the master cylinder to empty. If you look at the pic below, it shows needle nose pliers with fuel line over the jaws. Gently pinch the brake hose as shown to prevent brake fluid loss. If the system empties, you will need to perform an automated bleed on the ABS module which requires a scan tool that can communicate with the module.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

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