Front Brake Issue

[letzleta]

I recently replaced the front brake pads and rotors on my 2003 Protege 5. I have noticed that the right front is getting very hot and is significantly hotter than the left front. The right front wheel is getting very hot and the left front wheel was barely warm. Also, there is always significantly more brake dust on the right front wheel than the left (which makes me think it is a brake problem).

So, I took the right front back apart. The caliper piston seems to be moving ok. I was able to push it back in without too much effort (did it multiple times). So, I greased the pins and the pad seats (yes I put the springs that keep the pads apart back in) and put it back together and went for a short test drive. Same result.

Anyone have any ideas? If it is hanging on the one side it can't be very much because the car seems to roll ok.

 

[flash75]

I would jack the front wheels off the ground/floor and see how freely both wheels turn. It should take equal
effort to turn them. If they turn about equal have someone apply the brakes and try to turn the wheels, they
should be locked.

If the RF has too much drag or is difficult to turn, open the bleeder and see if that frees the wheel.
If your LF does not hold with the brakes applied, the caliper may be bad.

Clifton

 

[letzleta]

Thank you for the reply.

The right front is indeed binding. Opening the bleeder did not free the wheel. New caliper it is!

Are calipers supposed to be replaced in pairs?

 

[ScratchNSniff]

If you want to upgrade calipers while you are at it I have a set of Speed Protege ones for sale with practically new pads/rotors...

 

[808MP5]

^do it

 

[ScratchNSniff]

x2...and I will let them go CHEAP...

 

[808MP5]

Cheaper than what u posted in ur thread? feel free to pm me the price

 

[letzleta]

I would love to except I just put new pads and rotors on. I actually also have a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3!

 

[P-Funk!]

No, you do not need to replace in pairs. You may have warped the rotor already though. Do a thorough bleed with fresh fluid - once it had boiled (and it probably has) it needs to be replaced.

Look for any other damage (bluing or discoloration of the rotor, mounts, ect...) as well.