[mooses]

Hey guys, I put on a pair of Hawk ceramic pads in the front this past weekend, and I've noticed that the brakes aren't fully disengaging now. I can tell because I'm not rolling back on slight inclines that I know I normally roll on and the rotors are hot as fire after driving. There has also been some smell coming from the brakes after driving on them even if I don't use the brakes that much.

I had the rotors turned and I did the proper break-in procedure... Apparently I must've messed something up because it is definitely both sides that are sticking.

What are the odds that both calipers are sticking? Any ideas?

[craigdavey]

This may sound minute, but check to make sure that your brake fluid resavoir is completely tight. Also make sure that you didnt accidentally nick one of the brake lines.

The odds that both calipers are sticking is very small. But that is a possibility too.

[03SonicBoom]

First I would check to make sure the brake reservoir isn't completely full. There should be some air. If you changed your pads, when you pushed the piston back it pushes fluid back into the reservoir.

The other option is that you cracked the caliper pistons when pushing them back to make room for the new pads. If you did it on one, you could easily do it on both.

[mooses]

Originally Posted by craigdavey This may sound minute, but check to make sure that your brake fluid resavoir is completely tight. Also make sure that you didnt accidentally nick one of the brake lines. The odds that both calipers are sticking is very small. But that is a possibility too.

Do you mean the cap to fluid reservoir or the actual container itself being loose? I'll check on it.

I'll check on the brake lines, but wouldn't it be easy to spot brake fluid if they were nicked?

Thanks for the suggestions

[craigdavey]

Yes i mean the cap to the reservoir. You might see brake fluid depending on how big of a crack is in the lines.

Definately check for what 03SonicBoom says above too. If you cracked the pistons, then you will need all new calipers on the front.

[mooses]

Originally Posted by 03SonicBoom First I would check to make sure the brake reservoir isn't completely full. There should be some air. If you changed your pads, when you pushed the piston back it pushes fluid back into the reservoir. The other option is that you cracked the caliper pistons when pushing them back to make room for the new pads. If you did it on one, you could easily do it on both.

Ah, I sure hope not. What would be a common reason for a cracked piston? I used one of those caliper piston tools that pushes the pistons back in. I did it really slowly since I read it could cause the fluid to overflow from the reservoir if it was done too quickly. Is it common to crack a piston when using that tool?

[craigdavey]

It's not common unless you drive it back further than it is supposed to go. But it is possible.

[03SonicBoom]

Originally Posted by mooses Ah, I sure hope not. What would be a common reason for a cracked piston? I used one of those caliper piston tools that pushes the pistons back in. I did it really slowly since I read it could cause the fluid to overflow from the reservoir if it was done too quickly. Is it common to crack a piston when using that tool?

Not real common but still possible. Just pull the wheel and caliper off and it should be evident if that's the case.

[00MUSTANG89]

also check your slides to make sure the move freely most common problem with breaks

[v6kid]

Originally Posted by 00MUSTANG89 also check your slides to make sure the move freely most common problem with breaks

Yes yes yes... The first thing to be checked. Did you lube everything when you did the brake job??