Burning brake aroma-2000 Dodge Ram P/Up

[infj23]

2000 Dodge Ram 1500
5.9
120K miles
2WD

Just did a brake job on the front of this fine beast. No problems noted. Old pads were well worn, but evenly so, and still had a little bit of pad left (very little, but a little).

Old stuff came off fine, pistons compressed nicely, new clips, new pads all went on well. Caliper back in place and bolts in--all good. Torqued the lug nuts back on to 100 lbs/ft.

Test drive: did the burnishing technique of going 45 and very gradually slowing to almost stopping. Back up to speed and after allowing time for brake cooling, slowed again. Plan was to do that 10 times. After the 7th, noted that distinctive burning brake odor. Got out and checked around and the left front was putting out some some, that awful odor, and the wheel seemed hotter than the other side. Let it cool for a while. Drove back home with minimal braking. Still some odor and heat.

Have not taken anything apart yet as it seemed hot. I'll jack it up tomorrow and have a look. Any ideas where the problem might be? Sticking caliper? Bad brake line? It all seems strange because there were no problems before the pad change.

Thanks for any ideas and help!

[al daniels]

may also just be from the burnishing.to be sure i would take it apart,but from what you said i wouldnt bet on finding anything.10 brake apps like that are maybe a bit of overkill and i would say the brakes must have gotten pretty hot.

[Jim Fairbanks]

I agree with Al.....unless maybe you twisted the brake line outting the caliper back on...Jim

[infj23]

Thanks. I'm about to go out and check it again.

How many applications would you recommend the burnishing period last? I did allow about a minutes between times to cool the brakes. Not long enough?

[billr]

I know you will check the caliper for mechanically sticking as it slides on the pins, etc.  But, keep in mind that crud or corrosion can build up behind the caliper piston since it is slowly moving out to a new "brake off" position as the pads wear over the years.  When the pads are renewed the piston has to go back into this area and may bind.  On some designs there are seals on the piston back there and they may leak as well.

[al daniels]

there are almost as many methods for pad breakin as there are mechanics.lol.i usually do a steady brake app at 70kph untill almost stopped.allow about 20-30seconds and do it again.i repeat 3 or 4 times.the thing is to get the pads hot,but not hot enough so they lose cohesion and "crystalize".