Finally got bit by the recalled brakes

[Full-Timers]

Took a 315 mile trip today. The first 300 were uneventful but the last 15 got me. It was a 50 mph zone with stoplights at every intersection. And of course they all turned red just as I was approaching. So it was accelerate to 50 and hard on the brakes, accelerate to 50 and hard on the brakes, over and over again. Then I got the smell. Funny thing though it didn’t smell like brakes at first. It smelled more like rubber (like new tires). Only on really hard braking did it smell like brake pads. Another funny thing is, at the stoplight if I took my foot off the brake it would roll and it accelerated like there was no problem. Front brakes were definitely hot though. Maybe I just got them hot and it wasn’t the calipers seizing.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full-Timers Maybe I just got them hot and it wasn’t the calipers seizing.

F-T, Have you had the recall done on your rig?

[Full-Timers]

I have an appointment with Redlands on Dec 28.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full-Timers I have an appointment with Redlands on Dec 28.

You could not have picked a better place. Say Hi to Keith for me.

[Full-Timers]

Kinda ironic that I have survived 7 years and 45,000 miles without a problem then right when I head for California to spend Christmas with family and get the recall done, they act up on me. Just glad it didn’t happen during last summer’s 3,000 miles trip. I’m only about 90 miles away from Redlands so hopefully they will get me there.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full-Timers I’m only about 90 miles away from Redlands so hopefully they will get me there.

Obviously we have spoken at length about "the drill." Drive, evaluate the performance and if required pull over and allow those huge chunks of cast to cool down. Check for pedal firmness, assure low rolling resistance in drive with the foot off the brake, stay off the pedal as much as possible and continue on being aware of the situation. You should make it. It was remarkable that after all this time and mileage that you got the thing to behave badly. I know that you did your periodic bleed/flush earlier on so I expect that for all that effort this is the reason why you were able to do what you did last year. Keep on truckin' and let us know how your doing.

[edgray]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full-Timers ......... It was a 50 mph zone with stoplights at every intersection. And of course they all turned red just as I was approaching. So it was accelerate to 50 and hard on the brakes, accelerate to 50 and hard on the brakes, over and over again. Then I got the smell........... Only on really hard braking did it smell like brake pads........ funny thing is, at the stoplight if I took my foot off the brake it would roll and it accelerated like there was no problem. Front brakes were definitely hot though. Maybe I just got them hot and it wasn’t the calipers seizing.

FT:

FWIW, I had the same issue a few years ago with my 03 W-22. After an extended stretch of frequent stop & go traffic I smelled brakes and assumed I had a hanging caliper. My front brakes were really hot, too and the heat coming off them was "unbelievable" to me at the time. After a cool off while we ate dinner they were fine and no parts were damaged, not even a melted ABS sensor.

I think your conclusion about not having a caliper seizing is correct BECAUSE of the fact that it would roll when you release the brake pedal pressure. If it rolls without applying the gas, I just don't see how anything can be seized or dragging. Conversely, if it won't roll freely without powered assistance, then I think continuing to drive with "something" wrong is just asking for additional problems.

Have a safe trip to Redlands and enjoy the Holidays!
Ed

[Full-Timers]

Edgray, I tend to agree with you. I think I was just really hard on the brakes during that stretch and they will be OK for the trip to Redlands. I got under there and inspected everything I could see, and there were no cracks or pad transfer on the rotors. The ABS sensors looked OK and the oil filled hubs weren’t melted and the oil level was correct. I can’t say if the ABS light came on because I have been running with the ABS fused pulled for over a year due to another ABS problem. The only down side is, if it wasn’t the caliper seizing then the brake recall won’t help me with this problem.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full-Timers The only down side is, if it wasn’t the caliper seizing then the brake recall won’t help me with this problem.

Throughout the history of this issue it has not been in evidence that anything other than the old calipers have caused a brake calipers to hang. On the real old ZOPS brakes there was an issue with the slide pins. I expect when you get your new calipers that you'll be all set.

[DancinCampers]

Gosh, I hope it isn't a California thing. We have an appointment at Redlands for Thursday to git er done. Then Disneyland, (using the 3 day park hopper Military Promotional Ticket for $99).

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DancinCampers Gosh, I hope it isn't a California thing. We have an appointment at Redlands for Thursday to git er done. Then Disneyland, (using the 3 day park hopper Military Promotional Ticket for $99).

You could not have picked a better time of the year to go to Disney! I'm sure that you'll make it to Redlands just fine.

[Full-Timers]

After some closer inspection, I noticed some white powdery stuff on the inside of both front rotors. Anyone know what this might be?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full-Timers After some closer inspection, I noticed some white powdery stuff on the inside of both front rotors. Anyone know what this might be?

FT, The only place that I saw a white powder substance was around overheated seals on the calipers.

– Piston dust seals/boots that are cracked or appear discolored (white powder markings);

That said what we see as evidence of a caliper failure (powder) is not consistent with what you displayed in your photo. The white stuff you are showing is granular like laundry soap powder. The substance could be road chemicals like calcium or road salts that may have found a home on your rotor.

2 things I might ask about the photo, when was the last time the brakes were applied (rust spots) and when is that rig of yours getting a grease job?

[Full-Timers]

The white stuff does look granular but when touched it turns to a fine powder. The last time driven was Thursday and it has been real damp around here. I planned on doing a grease job as soon as I get back to Arizona. The weather is nice, I park on a clean cement pad, and it gives this ol’ retired guy something to do. I knew someone would notice that grease fitting hasn’t been touched in quite some time.