New Calipers & Pads
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Temecula CA
New Calipers & Pads
I am having an issue after installing rebuilt calipers I purchased and new pads. The rear pads and calipers were a very tight fit over the rotor, and now the pads are rubbing pretty hard on the rear rotors. I bled the brakes and broke them in properly. I drove about 7 miles and there was a lot of smoke coming from thd rear brakes.
What could be causing the issue? Is there a way to adjust how far the pistons extend? My only guess is the master cylinder may not functioning properly or perhaps the rear rotors were already warped. Its not the emergency brakes because they were removed. I had not driven the car prior to the new brakes.
What could be causing the issue? Is there a way to adjust how far the pistons extend? My only guess is the master cylinder may not functioning properly or perhaps the rear rotors were already warped. Its not the emergency brakes because they were removed. I had not driven the car prior to the new brakes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
it's possible your rear hoses are internally collapsed causing the the rear pistons to stay extended. I would replace all 4 hoses.
also, did you replace the rotors? If you mix up the front and rear rotors, something like this could happen too.
also, did you replace the rotors? If you mix up the front and rear rotors, something like this could happen too.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Watkins Glen New York
There isn't any adjustment that I know of.
Try this: Remove one caliper and suspend it in the wheel well with a wire or whatever so you don't stress the flexible hose.
Fit something in between the pads that's about the same thickness as the rotor and have someone press the brake pedal. This block MUST be in between the pads or you'll shoot your pistons out of the caliper. Look for movement outward when the pedal is depressed to see if the caliper is functioning at all. All 4 pistons should move and it should grip the spacer firmly.
If so, remove the spacer block (tell your helper NOT to step on the pedal). Retract the pistons with a C clamp or something similar. Hopefully they go back in all the way. Measure the space between the retracted pads as compared to the thickness of your rotor. The space should be a bit bigger for clearance.
If the pads don't retract, I'd suspect the hoses too, but diagnose before replacing parts.
Try this: Remove one caliper and suspend it in the wheel well with a wire or whatever so you don't stress the flexible hose.
Fit something in between the pads that's about the same thickness as the rotor and have someone press the brake pedal. This block MUST be in between the pads or you'll shoot your pistons out of the caliper. Look for movement outward when the pedal is depressed to see if the caliper is functioning at all. All 4 pistons should move and it should grip the spacer firmly.
If so, remove the spacer block (tell your helper NOT to step on the pedal). Retract the pistons with a C clamp or something similar. Hopefully they go back in all the way. Measure the space between the retracted pads as compared to the thickness of your rotor. The space should be a bit bigger for clearance.
If the pads don't retract, I'd suspect the hoses too, but diagnose before replacing parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Corvette brake pads are in contact with the rotor at all times; there is always residual brake pad drag. Pads do not retract, but you should not have seen smoke.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jun 13, 2013 at 11:34 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
If you loosen a bleeder and it relieves the pressure it would indicate a restriction in the lines that is preventing the fluid from being pushed back. However, it sounds like they were tight when you installed them and I suspect there was no fluid in the system at that time. If that's the case then I would look for fitment problems with the calipers, pistons, pads and rotor. For example, is the rotor being held away from the axle flange by something? Are the brake pads able to be pushed all the way against the inner surface of the caliper or is something preventing it from being pushed back? Are the pistons in the caliper able to be pushed below the inner surface of the caliper? You may need to open a bleeder screw to check that. Are the caliper mounts bent or otherwise preventing the caliper from being installed in the correct position?
Good Luck.