Expert: Robert Summers - 9/17/2008

Question
I have an `02 Impala base with NO ABS and 4 wheel disc brakes. It has over 300 000KMs on it. 5 times I have replaced the rear discs and pads. Everytime they are replaced, the right rear brake grabs for a couple of days causing extreme heat and smoke. The caliper is NOT siezed and moves freely in and out with little effort. The caliper assembly is cleaned well everytime and the pads move with little effort inside the retainers (no binding) which are also new every brake service. I have tried different pad types (metalic, ceramic) with no difference. I`ve also tried different types/brands of rotors. No change. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Ian

Answer
Hi Ian.... I will assume that when you do this that you clean and lube the caliper sliders ( pins that caliper slide on ) or do you remove the whole caliper and pad retainer...if caliper sliders are ok you will need to check the rear brake hose on that side to see if it has an internal problem... i have  seen where the hose collaspes inside not allowing the fluid to release quickly so brakes come on ok but don't release right away... if all that is ok i would consider changing that caliper...it may have a bad spot in it (rust on the piston when it is all the way in) causing it to hang up till pads are wore past that spot.... hope this helps