Date:         Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:11:31 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Squeaking Brakes
Comments: To: Dave Yates <transparu@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <f84bdd8d0801172340r5ec39edfy6b2adac3609774cc@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi Dave,

It "Sounds" (pun intended) like a brake pad dragging a bit.  This can be
caused by a couple of things.

First, after a drive, have you felt the wheels to see if one (or both)
are running warm or even hot?  They shouldn't.

1.  Old hoses can close up on the inside allowing the pressure from
applying brakes to force fluid to the caliper(s) but, due to less return
pressure, not allow all the fluid to return to the master cylinder.  I
had this happen on my '64 back in '84 when it was 20 years old.  Of
course, replacing the rubber hoses was the cure.

2.  Caliper pistons can become sticky and not return all the way.

Once, during a trip in my '84 7 passenger, my right front caliper piston
became sticky and was dragging ... more than just a little, too.  My
wheel was really hot to the touch.  My fix, at the time, was to pull the
wheel and caliper (left the brake hose connected) and, using a "C"
clamp, forced the piston back (like I was going to change pads).  That
action freed up the piston and I was able to continue on after that.  I
later rebuilt the calipers at my leisure.

Let us know what you find with yours.

Mike




Dave Yates wrote:
> Lots of people refer to disk brakes squeaking when they are applied, but
> mine have taken to squeaking when they are not applied.  Any suggestions?
>
> At one stage there was a silicone material on the market that stopped
> anti-rattle shims from vibrating.  I have put this on all shims and it had
> no impact.  I'd be interested to hear other people's solutions/suggestions.
>
> Thanks
> dave
> downunder
>