-----Original Message-----
From: Hassan, Erkan
>
>Hello to All,
>1. I assume it is normal for the rotor to rub on the pads a little as
>the wheel turns without the brake being applied. Is this true? how
> much rub is right, too much or too little??
Pads should contact the disc when the brake is off. If you can turn the hub
by hand (even with difficulty) with the wheel off, it's about right.
>2. Why has only one pad worn away? At times I would smell burning
>brakes but it was inconsistent. Is this the sign of a frozed
> piston? If so, I do not have an air compressor and the greese gun
>method seems awefully messy. Therefore, my option
> would be to take the caliper to a shop and have them see if they can
>blow air into the brake line fiting. this is how it
> should be done, right??
Don't automatically blame the piston. Rust and dirt can make a pad backing
stick in the housing. Also, a pad contaminated with oil/fluid will let the
other pad do all the work.
Pistons can sometimes be levered out with two large screwdrivers and can be
forced most of the way out with hydraulic pressure-use a wooden block or an
old pad the keep the other piston in place. If the piston is just dirty, you
can do this and clean up the exposed area. If there's any rust damage to the
plating on the piston, it's junk.
>
>3. Are there any special tricks, precautions, or techniques in replacing
>the rotor? Do both rotors have to be replaced, or just the
> bad one?
It's a bad idea to replace just one disc (rotor). If the new one has
different thermal characteristics, you'll get brake pull. Make sure the
faces where the rotors seat are perfectly clean. Sin the hub with the end of
a screwdriver resting near the rotor to check it runs true.
>4. The replacement of the pads and shims seem pretty straightforward,
>again any special techniques or issues the list can
> recommend?
Scrape all rust and debris from the caliper bodies so the pad backings won't
stick.
>5. Any other words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Try not to brake tooo hard for 100 miles or so. This will let the new pads
bed in without glazing-glazed pads are not efficient.
Dave Hill, UK.
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