Smoke? Hot Smell from Wheels? Check Your Brakes! Diagnosing Seized Brake Calipers

Published 2021-11-27
For More Info visit us at: 1aau.to/h/cKU/

Do you see smoke, smell a hot or burning smell coming from your wheels? Can you feel heat radiating off your brake rotors? The problem is likely a seized brake caliper! When brake calipers stick, or seize up, the brake pads remain in contact with the brake rotor while your drive, which creates lots of friction and head. It's basically like driving around with your foot on the brake pedal the whole time! In this video, hot smelly brakes lead Andy to diagnose the brake caliper, where he discovers rusted slider pins. The slider pins need to move in and out freely. If they get stuck, the brake caliper can remain clamped down on the brake rotor, which in turn heat up the brakes excessively. Andy points out the problem, shows you how you might be able to unstick and repair the rusted sliders, but ultimately replaces the caliper entirely, which is the safest option.

For more great diagnostic videos check out this playlist:
   • Driveway Diagnostics!  

0:00 Diagnosing a Seized Brake Caliper
3:45 Removing the Stuck Slider Pin
8:31 Clean the Caliper Slider Pin and Bracket
12:30 Or Replace the Caliper!

For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/cKU/

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

All Comments (21)
  • @coburn_karma
    Very rare to see caliper repair these days with low priced new calipers on the market....thank you for taking the time to share.
  • @Just_J_
    think u just saved my life, didn't know what was causing my brakes to overheat and smoke
  • @TheKramer841
    Thank you. I'm trying to do a similar job and being refreshed on basics that work saved me a lot of time getting up and down and fighting stuck parts. I'm a forever injured guy. Again, thank you.
  • @pareeks
    I'm just in awe of all the tools and machinery you have at your disposal. You have even got a gas torch of high grade! Marksmanship is on point as well❤
  • @cardo1111
    Definitely one of the best auto repair channels on YouTube 🔧🧰👍🏽
  • @yeagemk
    The bob ross of mechanics. Very relaxing to follow along with
  • Very professional. I was happy you didn't reuse the old caliper and pins. Thanks for the tips.
  • First off. That’s a very clean garage!!! Secondly. You were very helpful to me! Thanks
  • @BMMPMI
    Thanks 1A! Hope you have a good day.
  • Love your video tips. very instructional informative and educational. Thank You !!!!!
  • @OSRS_KQs
    Just figured mine out. The caliper piston is the style that needs rotated to collapse it for new pads. However, there are 4 recesses on the face of the piston for rotating it, and the recess has to line up with a tab on the brake pad that the scratch warning plate sits on. It was causing uneven pressure on the pads so they seized pretty hard and got hot.
  • @colorado1315
    Great advice and explanation, for the people who like to understand what is going on.
  • @richardyap7873
    You are a cool guy. Doing so much and yet keeping your composure. Liked.
  • @flakociclon44
    Thanks for the video, keep having problem on my 99 GMC Yukon 2wd
  • @Alesia2020
    This video was so awesome! Thank you for taking it step by step clearly. I now have a better understanding of what do in this situation.
  • @dwightlee6164
    By the way.. you uploaded on the thanksgiving day. Working hard.. Thanks !