2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake Fire

[No Neck]

A good friend of mine has a 1997 3/4 ton 4X4, and this weekend the left front brake started draging. By the time he could get it stopped it had heated up enough that it caught on fire. Anyone had this happen to them? If so how much was damaged? He has ordered new rotors, calipers, and brake pads. Think the bearings might be damaged?



Any input will be appreciated.



Thanks

 

[DBoggs]

I replaced the front disc brakes on a Ford motorhome that had been ridden down a long grade and caught fire. It torched the pads, rotors, calipers, bearings and seals. There wasn't any grease left. It didn't hurt the spindle. Were it my truck, I'd pull it apart and check. Might be a lot of trouble but better to be safe than sorry. Just my opinion.



Duane

 

[redram]

Depending on the intensity and what was burning, you should also look closely at the rubber brake linie running to the caliper and any other rubber component near the heat of the fire.

Check the axles - does this have a rubber boot?



If the fire was a result of the bearing grease starting on fire, then for the cost of a new bearing rather beign stranded or resulting in a bearing failure and other damage, it would be prudent to replace teh wheel bearing.



If the fire was due to brake fluid, then definitely, the caliper (rubber o-ring on the piston, rubber grommets on the slider pins), the brake hose), check the upper lower ball joints for integrity, did the shocks get exposed to heat - might want to replace them if they did...



I guess it would be common sense type things to replace.

 

[Headshot zod]

My brother managed to do that about 12 years ago in a Dodge Omni. Melted everything. So we replaced everything. Just on principle. I never saw brake pads that looked like they had Kingston Briquettes attached to them. I can't remember if the rotors warped or not. We couldn't get that smell out for quite a while.

 

[RustyJC]

Yep, I had the right front caliper stick on my 1996 while we were towing a 5th wheel trailer in stop-and-go Houston traffic. It didn't catch fire, but the smoke was rolling!



New caliper, rotor & hub and wheel bearings were required - fortunately, it didn't get the spindle (2WD truck). If it actually caught fire, I'd replace the brake hose as well at a minimum.



Rusty

 

[Josparkz]

How come these calipers are sticking?