Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
Last week I had the rear brakes replaced, as well as the sensors, rotors, and the system flushed. Already, the rear-left rotor is burned out. The dealership told me it was due to the parking brake not releasing and thus needs a parking-brake module. They said this isn’t related to the work done last week. My question is: should they have checked the parking brake when they installed the rear brakes?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It sounds like the parking brake mechanism has failed and kept the brakes on in that wheel. I cannot say if the dealer should have found the problem at that time, since the problem may not have been there at the time they did the brake service for you.
If you feel they did not fix it correctly, then take it up with the manager to see what can be done to help pay for the repairs. The problem was not there before they touched the vehicle and now it is. Maybe something they did or didn’t do would require an investigation by an independent shop.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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You might have corrosion on the slides, or the caliper pistons. The caliper needs to be replaced or repaired, and you will likely need to replace the pad as well. High heat in the brake caliper can cause the brake fluid to degrade, or develop air bubbles. You should bleed that brake as well.
As brake pad wear sensors are designed to break, they should be replaced as a matter of course every time new brake pads are fitted. It`s also advisable to regularly inspect the sensors, in between pad changes, and replace where necessary.
Heat spots on brake rotors occur when brakes aren`t broken in (bedded) properly and the brake pad deposits on the rotor accumulate and eventually turn into a compound known as cementite. You don`t want Cementite on your brake rotors.
Driving too long on worn brake pads can cause rotor damage. As the brake pad wears down, the metal becomes exposed leading to metal-on-metal contact when you apply the brakes. This harmful contact between the pad and rotor can cause deep grooves to develop in the rotor.
As brake pad wear sensors are designed to break or complete a circuit by contacting the brake rotor, they aren`t a reusable item. Brake pad wear sensors should be replaced with every brake pad change.
If your brake discs have been subjected to excess heat, they may need replacing altogether. Brake rotors can begin to warp if you don`t allow your brakes to cool down correctly. The rotor should have a flat surface so that the brake pads can keep in contact with it at all times.
Scoring usually occurs when the frictional material on the brake pads has been worn down severely. Once this “padding” is gone, the underlying metal scrapes against the rotor during deceleration. Over time this can lead to deep grooves on the rotor surface.
Stay Safe on the Road With High-Quality Brake Pads
Overheated brake pads, also known as brake fade, are the most common reason for brakes to fail. Cheap brake pads react poorly to the temperature change as they cool down after use, eventually resulting in a glazed surface that forms on the brake pad and the rotor.
So it`s also a good idea to avoid touching your brake rotors with bare hands in order to prevent oil or grease on your fingers from contaminating the rotor`s braking surface. That contaminated rotor then transfers the oil to the pads when the brakes are applied.
Reason #1: Your rotor disc and caliper are rubbing together.
If you hear a loud grinding sound when you push down the brake pedal, it`s most likely a result of contact between the rotor disc and part of the caliper, which occurs when your brake pads are wearing down or have already worn down completely.
Sometimes when new brake pads are installed, sediment can inadvertently be pushed back into the hydraulic system. This sediment can damage the master cylinder. A worn or malfunctioning master cylinder. If the master cylinder isn`t performing as designed, it may need to be replaced.
Heavy braking should be avoided during this period. In a safe area, apply brakes moderately from 60mph to 30mph and then drive approximately 1/2 mile to allow the brakes to cool. Repeat this procedure approximately 30 times. After installing new pads make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 35 mph with moderate pressure.
Brake pedal position sensor calibration must be performed after the brake pedal position sensor, body control module (BCM), or engine control module (ECM) have been serviced. The calibration procedure will set the brake pedal position sensor home value.
The ABS system works in tandem with the rest of the braking system to stop your vehicle quickly under hard braking. A faulty ABS wheel speed sensor can lead to longer braking distances under those situations.
Normally both rotors need to be replaced because they will usually have the same amount of wear. Even if one side is “good enough” it is wise to replace both brake rotors at the same time to maintain even braking as any difference in rotor thickness will cause the brakes to pull to one side.
Using data provided by Federal Highway Administration statistics on how many miles people drive annually, typical brake pads will last between 3 and 7 years. Brake rotors last roughly 70,000 miles, but they need to be inspected for uneven wear.
WD-40 Specialist Automotive Brake and Parts Cleaner is safe to use on clutch and brake assemblies, brake discs, callipers, brake drums, brake pads and brake linings.
Stuck brake pads
The build-up of dust on the pad carriers can cause the brake pads to stick to the disc. When this happens, the brakes can`t return to their normal position and the wheel doesn`t spin freely. The constant friction creates a lot of unnecessary heat which often results in a bad smell and sometimes smoke.
Damages the brakes – Slamming on the brakes too hard will damage the car brakes themselves. This can overheat the brake pads, causing them to wear down faster which could then cause problems with the brake rotors and suspension.
You don`t always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads.
Thin and worn brake pads may not be able to dissipate heat properly, causing hard spots and brake rotor warping.
Are they warped causing uneven braking? The new pads will wear quicker on used rotors since the rotors are “grooved”. As long as you stop reasonably quickly you should be ok. If you have extemely long stopping distances and poor braking performance then you are due for new rotors.
You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
ANSWER : It sounds like the parking brake mechanism has failed and kept the brakes on in that wheel. I cannot say if the dealer should have found the problem at that time, since the problem may not have been there at the time they did the brake service for you.
If you feel they did not fix it correctly, then take it up with the manager to see what can be done to help pay for the repairs. The problem was not there before they touched the vehicle and now it is. Maybe something they did or didn’t do would require an investigation by an independent shop.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
My car brake pedal vibrates while braking….so do i need to get front rotors replaced or rear rotors replaced? What are charges?
ANSWER : A pulsating brake pedal can be caused by front, rear, or all 4 rotors being warped or out of round. Typically when it’s the front rotors, you will feel the vibration in the brake pedal and the steering wheel. When the rear rotors are warped, you may feel it in the brake pedal and more in the seat, feeling it in your back side. Whether front, rear, or all 4, if the rotors are replaced, it’s a good idea to replace the pads as well.
The best approach would be to have a certified technician inspect the brakes to determine where the pulsation is coming from. An accurate estimate for repairs can be given at that time.
The best approach would be to have a certified technician inspect the brakes to determine where the pulsation is coming from. An accurate estimate for repairs can be given at that time.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
Brake calipers needing replacement after brake pads and rotors were replaced?
ANSWER : I think you have it backwards. The pads and rotors do not cause bad calipers, but a sticking or binding caliper can cause the pads to wear excessively and cause the pads to dig into the rotors. The calipers may not of been binding until the caliper pistons had to be pushed back to install the new pads. It would be recommended to have the brake system flushed after replacing the calipers, pads, and rotors so the system has all new fluid. A certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to perform any needed repairs with your brake system.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
I replaced the brake light switch. Gear lever unlocked because it had locked. Now the brakes feel hard.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
Low brake pedal and anti-lock brakes are not kicking in.
ANSWER : The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to the master cylinder including the ABS unit. If the brakes are still spongy after a full bleed, then the controller will need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your brake pedal being spongy, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
how thin can rotors be before replacing?
ANSWER : Nothing sounds right about that. There are references that tell mechanics how thick rotors are when new, when they’re too thin to machine, and when to discard. The rotors need measured with a micrometer to check this. Rust and some other factors can shorten the life of a rotor before it’s too thin, but you should have been informed of this. They are many reasons to replace a caliper. Brake pads being too thick are not one of them. Either the piston in the caliper is not compressing all the way, there’s a seized caliper slide, or they have the wrong pads. If the piston is stuck, this warrants replacement. I would get a second opinion from a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can diagnose your brake system and suggest what to do from there. Good luck.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
Uneven brake rotor wear
ANSWER : Hello. I tried to view the pictures but the link seems to be broken. It sounds like you have two different problems reading the description of the problem. The first is the brake pads being too tight and binding in the caliper bracket. This is most likely caused from the pad ends are not machined smooth and do not slide into the caliper bracket smooth. This will cause them to bind and cause low brake application or will keep the brakes partly applied wearing them down quickly. The other possible problem is the caliper may be binding on the slides or the piston is binding. If you would like precise advise on exactly what needs repair, have a certified professional diagnose the brake system in person and follow through with correct repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake rotor burned after brakes replacement
