Front Brakes Grinding at Stop?

anthrUTtj · 09-12-2004, 11:33 PM

So yesterday I swap my 30" steet tires on steelies for 32" BFG Muds on Eagle Alloys and I start feeling and hearing some strange vibes when braking. When coming to a stop, just before stopping, it feels like there is grinding up front.

So, today, I drive 15 miles, touch the wheels around the hub, and they are hot., say around 120-140F. Several hours later, I jack up the front, one side at a time, check the brakes, and spin the hubs. It sounds like there is rubbing or something going on either in the brakes or front bearings. It does not throb, it is consistent. Both left and right, but a little more on the right. First guess is there is some Pad/Rotor contact. I hpe it's not bad bearings. I'm headed to Moab for a week Wednesday.

I'm concerned about the heat build up after 15 miles. I mention the wheel and tire change because perhaps the old wheels covered this up. Thoughts?

Stormtrooper · 09-12-2004, 11:39 PM

My first guess is that the new wheels don't have the same clearance on the brake calipers as the old ones did. Take the wheel off and check the inside for a circular groove on the inside of the wheel. It might only be slight interference, but that would explain the heat buildup and noise. A little grinding could made the difference. Good luck
Steve

anthrUTtj · 09-12-2004, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormtrooper

My first guess is that the new wheels don't have the same clearance on the brake calipers as the old ones did. Take the wheel off and check the inside for a circular groove on the inside of the wheel. It might only be slight interference, but that would explain the heat buildup and noise. A little grinding could made the difference. Good luck
Steve

I did take the wheel off and got the friction noise when I rotated the hub. When driving, I don't really hear noise when stopping, but feel a vibration just before stopping. Otherwise, no new noises.

**Jeepin_Al** · 09-13-2004, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthrUTtj

I did take the wheel off and got the friction noise when I rotated the hub. When driving, I don't really hear noise when stopping, but feel a vibration just before stopping. Otherwise, no new noises.

pads? Could be your squeaker maybe? I had a similar feel but it was just the brakes being cracked, didn't think to check the heat of the wheel. Replaced the pads, turned the rotors, no more problem. HTH, AL

BTW, the pads had plenty of pad left, just got too hot and cracked them prematurely.

Stormtrooper · 09-13-2004, 10:06 AM

I guess you've eliminated the wheel as the source. A while ago i noticed vibrations as i came to a stop. I finally realized it was actually the tires. They were pretty badly cupped and at slow (and slowing speeds) i could feel it vibrate. At faster speeds it was not noticeable. You'de feel the vibrations if you rolled the tire on the ground by hand. Just guessing now.