Brake problem on '86
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
Brake problem on '86
I'm having a problem with the brakes on my '86. The brakes were starting to make noise from the wear indicators on the front. Then, the rears started to make louder sqeaking noises. As the car got driven for longer distances, the back ones got worse. They got to the point where they seemed to be grabbing and making the anti-lock go on. The anti-lock light on dash lit up, too.
I replaced all of the brake pads. The rotors don't seem to be grooved, so I just replaced the pads without turning them. I took a look at the rear emergency brakes to make sure that nothing looked out of the ordinary, but they looked just fine.
After the pad replacement, everything seemed to be nice and quiet... until I drove for about 30 miles. Then the back started squealing loud again, and grabbing enough to make the anti-lock system kick on again. I inspected them again, and they all look just fine. Once the car cools down, they behave completely normal again.
Ever hear of brakes acting up only when they're warm? I'm driving totally normal - not abusing the brakes at all. Once they are cool again, they're fine.
Any ideas?
I replaced all of the brake pads. The rotors don't seem to be grooved, so I just replaced the pads without turning them. I took a look at the rear emergency brakes to make sure that nothing looked out of the ordinary, but they looked just fine.
After the pad replacement, everything seemed to be nice and quiet... until I drove for about 30 miles. Then the back started squealing loud again, and grabbing enough to make the anti-lock system kick on again. I inspected them again, and they all look just fine. Once the car cools down, they behave completely normal again.
Ever hear of brakes acting up only when they're warm? I'm driving totally normal - not abusing the brakes at all. Once they are cool again, they're fine.
Any ideas?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Brake problem on '86 (Shovelhead)
Hmm. Interesting.
The caliper needs to be able to move freely on the bracket bolts, maybe it's rusted on there, or binding up. When you let up on the pedal, the rotor should force the pads away evenly.. but if they bind up, they won't release properly, and will drag. Have you notice if the wheels get REALLY hot after driving? or do you have bad gas mileage? Does your car hold on a slight incline in neutral with the parking brake released?
I don't know if the "anti lock" light necesssarily means the antilock is turning on. This may also be used as a general warning light to indicate something else is amiss. On my 85 (non abs) the parking brake light on the dash illuminates if If my brake fluid pressure is low.
Eh.. dunno, jus tryin to help... TTT :seeya
The caliper needs to be able to move freely on the bracket bolts, maybe it's rusted on there, or binding up. When you let up on the pedal, the rotor should force the pads away evenly.. but if they bind up, they won't release properly, and will drag. Have you notice if the wheels get REALLY hot after driving? or do you have bad gas mileage? Does your car hold on a slight incline in neutral with the parking brake released?
I don't know if the "anti lock" light necesssarily means the antilock is turning on. This may also be used as a general warning light to indicate something else is amiss. On my 85 (non abs) the parking brake light on the dash illuminates if If my brake fluid pressure is low.
Eh.. dunno, jus tryin to help... TTT :seeya
