Dragging brake

DG330 · 11-26-2021, 05:33 PM

Hi,

Noticed the other day when I got home from a 70 mile journey that I could smell hot brakes. I went round checking the alloys and the front left (passenger UK or driver US) was slightly warm.

Driven the car a few more times just for short 2-5mile trips and noticed it's still dragging or not releasing fully. The car is auto and moves on idle, so it's very minor, but I don't want it to get worse and bind and ruin the discs. Worth noting it doesn't pull to one side when braking, so fairly minor at the mo.

I suspect it may just be some dirty or rusty guide pins not allowing the brake to release Anyone had similar issues?

Weather permitting I will jack it up and see how freely it moves and check the calliper out visually, but won't remove as I don't have a calliper wind in tool.

Thanks in advance

Billfitz · 11-26-2021, 09:52 PM

You don't need a special tool to retract the caliper piston. I use a 'C' clamp when I do it.

DG330 · 11-27-2021, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

You don't need a special tool to retract the caliper piston. I use a 'C' clamp when I do it.

Not a bad idea, I was wondering if I could use a silicone gun as I have one of those with me.

Thoughts on what could be causing it to slightly catch or drag?

Billfitz · 11-27-2021, 07:59 AM

I had premature wear on both of my rear inner pads and one front inner pad that was caused by rust in the pad carriers, the result of inadequate greasing at the factory. The calipers and pistons weren't sticking, but the pads were. I've been using a C clamp to retract pistons since 1972, when disc brakes were still new to the scene and special piston compressors were yet to be invented.

11-26-2021, 05:33 PM	#1
DG330 First Lieutenant 70 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 330 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	Dragging brake - 320ix Hi, Noticed the other day when I got home from a 70 mile journey that I could smell hot brakes. I went round checking the alloys and the front left (passenger UK or driver US) was slightly warm. Driven the car a few more times just for short 2-5mile trips and noticed it's still dragging or not releasing fully. The car is auto and moves on idle, so it's very minor, but I don't want it to get worse and bind and ruin the discs. Worth noting it doesn't pull to one side when braking, so fairly minor at the mo. I suspect it may just be some dirty or rusty guide pins not allowing the brake to release Anyone had similar issues? Weather permitting I will jack it up and see how freely it moves and check the calliper out visually, but won't remove as I don't have a calliper wind in tool. Thanks in advance
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11-26-2021, 09:52 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8239 Rep 16,076 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	You don't need a special tool to retract the caliper piston. I use a 'C' clamp when I do it.
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11-27-2021, 07:59 AM	#4
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8239 Rep 16,076 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I had premature wear on both of my rear inner pads and one front inner pad that was caused by rust in the pad carriers, the result of inadequate greasing at the factory. The calipers and pistons weren't sticking, but the pads were. I've been using a C clamp to retract pistons since 1972, when disc brakes were still new to the scene and special piston compressors were yet to be invented.
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