why would brakes smoke after use - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BoomInTheTrunk · #1 02-06-2008, 06:43 PM

my brakes smoke just a little after getting to my destination. I am pretty sure that the calipers are not leaking because they are brand new, not rebuilds. could it be because the pads got a little brake fuild on them from the time i got a little brake

fuild on them. Its not much of an annoyance to me but just asking incase it could be some large problem later down the road.

TTCummins · #2 02-06-2008, 06:47 PM

The friction material is impregnated with Kashew oil. In the very early stages of life some of this oil will burn out. If the pads get too hot on one of their initial uses, it is this oil that causes glazing of the pads so watch out for that. If your calipers aren't leaking than burning off brake fluid from somewhere is also a logical conclusion as the smoking point is about 105 C for brake fluid. I have had rebuilt calipers sieze up on their initial installation so you may want to verify that the pistons are free moving in the calipers you have.

BoomInTheTrunk · #3 02-06-2008, 06:50 PM

well i dought that they seized because they are brand new no rebuilds, i got fed up wit hrebuilds so i got some brand new ones, yah expensive but they should last along time.

BoomInTheTrunk · #4 02-08-2008, 10:35 PM

bump

bobodaclown · #5 02-08-2008, 10:43 PM

I'm going to cover the basics I think.
They smoked cause they were hot. Duh...
Why were they hot? That is the million dollar question.....

Did you just recently do a brake job?
Were they bled properly?
Did you do some hard braking?

Some points to ponder.....

BoomInTheTrunk · #6 02-08-2008, 10:46 PM

i did just do a brake job and they were bleed right. but could fluid that may have got on the pads smoke. I don't seem to drive the car that hard so smoking because the got excessively hot doesn't seem to be the issue.

bobodaclown · #7 02-08-2008, 10:55 PM

Is the car stopping ok? If so it may just have to burn off. If stopping appears normal and pedal travel/feel is good give it a chance to burn off. IMHO.

Hatterasguy · #8 02-09-2008, 12:44 AM

How much smoke? Did it happen more than once? Where your wheels hot to the touch?

I have never had brakes smoke, were they burning?

Dumb queston, but you did change the brake hoses right?

BoomInTheTrunk · #9 02-09-2008, 12:56 AM

they smoke after each use, and the wheels i am not sure if they were hot. as for the hoses i am pretty sure they were installed correctly. I dont really see a way in which i could have installed the hoses incorrectly. Why do you ask about the lines.

TylerH860 · #10 02-09-2008, 01:29 AM

It happens with my X5 pretty regularly, only when its cold and wet outside after a longer city drive. Some water hits the brakes and turns into steam. no big deal.

Do you still have the Bundts? I think my 4.6 wide spoke wheels make my car more succeptable to it. Shes's under full warranty until 100k, so she gets perfect maint. Can't beat free service.

turbobenz · #11 02-09-2008, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

vstech · #12 02-09-2008, 09:08 AM

I am guessing here, but perhaps they had a good time?

compress ignite · #13 02-09-2008, 09:35 AM

as Hatterasguy was pointing out...

If your OLD Brake hoses are collapsing internally,they will hold the pads
against the rotors and "DRAG the Brakes."

seababe · #14 02-09-2008, 10:44 AM

So...if my brakes become smokin' hot, visibly red, seize untill cooled, it is my brake hose collapsing? This happened 2x, both times in city driving (lots of traffic lights in 90+ degree weather), first incident brake pedal went all the way to the floor. MB dealer could not identify or replicate. Luckily, I live in a rural area, so not a constant problem, however, is this a DIY job or does it need to go to the dealer? BTW, brake pads are only 1/2 used...is it time for new ones?

Mister Byrnzoil · #15 02-09-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seababe

So...if my brakes become smokin' hot, visibly red, seize untill cooled

visibly red? are you serious? Your brake fluid is boiling and voila, pedal goes to the floor. This is nothing to mess around w/, your rotors may be warped as well. its either sticky calipers or collapsed brake lines. MBZ says to flush the brake fluid at least every year, but practically no one does it. The brake fluid reservoir is NOT sealed from the elements, Brake fluid absorbs water, this is a receipe for disaster. Depending on whether its the fronts or rears could be the DIY deciding factor. (I'm gonna guess its the rears.)

Good luck and please don't wait to fix this.