Brakes billowing smoke

[KenHwy61]

I hadn't driven my truck for a few weeks and drove 7 miles into town and saw black smoke billowing out from the drivers side wheel area when I stopped. I have an infrared temp scanner I keep in the truck and the rotor was 800F! I let it cool and limped it home and I found the caliper pistons had torn apart. The caliper pins were still greased and moved freely. I am assuming the the pad was dragging hard on the rotor maybe stuck after sitting a little while. I keep the truck in my pole barn so it didn't get wet although it had rained a lot. Anybody else have this happen or know what caused it? I ordered a new caliper and pads I will install tomorrow. I am leaving Saturday towing my camper and would prefer not to have this happen again.

 

[gsbrockman]

I would strongly suggest replacing the calipers in pairs.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I would strongly suggest replacing the calipers in pairs.

I strongly second gsbrockman's advice! Might even consider a brake fluid flush, depending what caused the pistons to not retract properly.

 

[DavidC]

I strongly second gsbrockman's advice! Might even consider a brake fluid flush, depending what caused the pistons to not retract properly.

Second the flush. I do not think brake fluid is suppose to get that hot

Dave

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would strongly suggest replacing the calipers in pairs.

NOT doubting you but why?

 

[jhenderson]

Given the age of the truck and the conditions under which the caliper failed it would be advisable to replace both if for no other reason than equal braking effect for a given brake application pressure. Calipers stick for a reason.

 

[KenHwy61]

I did replace both calipers as suggested. They aren't too expensive and not that hard to replace. All is good now and the brakes are working great.