people tell me that i would know if my car feels like its holding back, but what if i dont know if my car is holding back or not?
because i bought my car used and i dont know how the feeling is supposed to be, but ever since then, i have had my brakes changed before
2007-03-19 15:33:23 · 6 answers · asked by b3nsonx 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The brake pads usually touch the rotor a very small amount even when youre not pressing the brake pedal. Most rotors have a tiny bit of warpage to them from use. The best way to tell if the pad is dragging is if you smell the brakes. They will smoke when you park the car, and smell very strong. If youre wondering if one of the pistons in the caliper is sticking while pushed out, it will usually pull towards the side that is sticking. Also, you can tell if the pad wear is uneven between the two sides. There really is no reason why both calipers would be so far extended that you would feel a noticable drag. If that were to be the case though, expect to replace both calipers.
EDIT -
Throwing water on a hot rotor can warp them. Youll be spending even more money to fix a problem that you didnt start with. Rotors can warp when they are hot and cool down suddenly and unevenly, such as being hit by water standing in the road. If you drive for an hour or around the block, when you brake the car to a stop and get out, the rotors will be hot. Period. The brake pads are stopping a 2000lb or more vehicle by rubbing two pieces of metal together. Theyre going to be hot. Dont throw water on them.
2007-03-19 15:40:04 · answer #1 · answered by Matt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The BEST way is to drive the car for 20 to 30 minutes and CAREFULLY throw some water on the wheels. IF the brakes are dragging, the water will steam. Use a small cup and or take a mouthful of water and squirt it on the wheel near the brake. ALSO you can feel the tire near the rim. IF its HOT or warm, take the car to a brake shop. They will check it free. I had a car with the brakes dragging and I had to get New brakes after 10 k miles. You can also take the car in to a BRAKE shop that has FREE inspection, and get their opinion.
2007-03-19 22:41:30 · answer #2 · answered by james hart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are concerned about it & can't really tell just pull the tires & look. There should be a small gap between pad & rotor unless brake applied. Or take your car out for a drive around the block a couple times. Then check rim. A dragging brake will be extremely hot. If pads wore out you would here a squeel from the low brake spring indicator.
All else fails watch for smoke!!!!!
2007-03-19 22:50:56 · answer #3 · answered by freshex2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to a brake shop. Let them tell you by having the your car jacked up on the lift and the tire off. It's safer and usually free.
2007-03-19 22:48:50 · answer #4 · answered by Spring loaded horsie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check for heat after driving for a while. find a small hill. stop at the ape and put it into neutral and see if it starts to roll backwards
2007-03-19 22:55:49 · answer #5 · answered by frank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pads shouldnt be dragging,if the calipers are releasing them from the rotors.
2007-03-20 01:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋