front brakes overheating

[migraineman]

I just changed the front brake pads on my truck. Now, when I drive a bit one side will get hot and smell. I tried disassembling and lubricating the pins with grease and I had a friend press on the brakes while I watched and the caliper seemed to move freely. I noticed that the dust boot for the piston has a crack. Are you supposed to lubricate the pins? The piston seems to move freely, at least when I pushed it back in to fit the new pads.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Brakes getting hot

If the dust boot has a hole there is probably corrosion in the cylinder causing it to not release correctly. Yes, it is a good idea to lube the pins. bg

 

[illflem]

Also make sure your rear brakes are correctly adjusted and are doing their fair share of the work. Ram rear brakes are notorious for not self adjusting correctly. I check mine at every oil change.

 

[Extreme1]

If you have a cracked boot and a hot caliper, you have a siezed caliper!



Try comparing the front with both wheels off the truck. Have your friend step on the brakes with vacuum applied (engine running). When he releases, the wheels should turn equally freely.

 

[sam peterson]

migraineman---when you said you lubed the pins with grease I hope it was not a petroleum based product because if it was you will have just what your name implies. Using the proper type of product to lube the caliper pins & bushings is very important. --Sam

 

[migraineman]

What should I use to lube the pins? I used wheel bearing grease. Should I use silicone? I don't think the piston is seized cuz it moves pretty freely. Still, I will rebuild the caliper with new seals etc. Does the rebuild kit come with the rubber guides for the pins? Can I only get the kit from the dealer?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Brakes

Silicone grease would probably be the lube of choice, I used anti sieze compound on mine, you just don't want to put so much on that it gets on the brake pads. You won't get the rubber guides with the kit and you should be able to get the kit from an auto parts store. bg

 

[sam peterson]

migraine--I have the caliper slider bushings and or the kits or what ever you need. E-mail me---Sam