best way to detect a stuck caliper?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

cmc76

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Posts
685
Reaction score
313
out of nowhere on Saturday I got a grinding, pulled it apart. rear drivers rotor was shot, inside pad was all metal.
I put on a new rotor, greased everything, new pads. cleaned the caliper, was able to clean it up well.
New pads and rotor are on, have not drove it hard at all, but im still getting some burning scent, minor smoke. whats a reasonable amount of time for it to settle in, before swapping out the caliper?
 
OP
OP
cmc76

cmc76

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Posts
685
Reaction score
313
I might have been chasing an issue that didn't exist. They were getting hot, but seems to have resolved itself. Ill give it a few days and crawl under to inspect. but no more smoke, no more smell.
 

Kenny D

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2017
Posts
1,236
Reaction score
1,282
Location
Crosby, Tx
The best way to check is to have someone operate the brakes, while you are looking to see if the caliper retracts.
The smell might have went away because the pads may have worn down enough to allow less restrictive movement.
 
OP
OP
cmc76

cmc76

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Posts
685
Reaction score
313
I was thinking that, but its not like they are spring loaded to retract. Ive only put on maybe 30 miles with the new pads and rotors.
I will make sure to have someone there when I climb under. good idea.
 

Kenny D

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2017
Posts
1,236
Reaction score
1,282
Location
Crosby, Tx
They will retract due to the hydraulics. Did the same for my son's front calipers on his 90. Also check the rubber brake line too, they will also mimic a stuck caliper.
 

HiHoeSilver

Away!
Joined
Feb 28, 2017
Posts
10,918
Reaction score
14,572
Location
Chicago
They will retract due to the hydraulics. Did the same for my son's front calipers on his 90. Also check the rubber brake line too, they will also mimic a stuck caliper.

The line could be kinked or clogged.
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
11,915
Reaction score
24,275
Location
Elev 5,280
New pads can smell hot during the initial break in. Use the pad manufacturer's break-in procedure if it publishes one. Many times you have to look at the mfr's web site to find it.
 
OP
OP
cmc76

cmc76

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Posts
685
Reaction score
313
i was going to look this morning, but its a monsoon. It does seem that any sign of smoke/smell is gone though.
Thanks for the ideas though guys, i will be going under to take a closer look to be sure.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,394
Posts
1,867,367
Members
97,046
Latest member
Untouchable520
Top