Hub repair fixed brakes

1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

300,000 MILES • V8 • RWD • AUTOMATIC

PETER DHOOGHE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

My brother's car's brakes went out the other day and he noticed that there was a liquid on the outside of the wheel cap and so thinking it was brake fluid. I opened it up to see what was wrong. Turned out to be bearing grease as the bearing had faltered. So I cleaned out all the grease and changed both sets of bearings. This somehow fixed his brakes. it also leads me to believe that there must be something more wrong with the brakes seeing as one bearing going out caused all the brakes to go out. I am lost for ideas.
Thanks

Jun 12, 2017 at 3:12 PM

HMAC300

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
48,601 POSTS

it may have gotten grease on the pads and they did not work to well that way. or from the bearing going out the rotor/drum would not make good contact.

Jun 12, 2017 at 3:38 PM

STEVE W.

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
15,200 POSTS

More than likely the bad bearing allowed the rotor to move around so the caliper could not really squeeze the braking area. Once the bearing was replaced the rotor now traveled in the right spot so the pads could grip it.

Jun 12, 2017 at 4:21 PM

PETER DHOOGHE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Would this effect all four brakes? Should I look for a more serious brake issue?

Jun 12, 2017 at 6:11 PM

HMAC300

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
48,601 POSTS

if the brakes are okay then drive it. if not then look at others front and rear. it may be the pads are worn too bad in front from bearing bad and need replacing both sides.

Jun 12, 2017 at 6:15 PM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.