front brake diagnosis help please - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

djugurba · #1 11-18-2004, 11:05 PM

I'm trying to help a friend diagnose a front brake issue. He's not completely satisfied with my process of elimination. So, what do you think?

Symptoms: front left wheel 'steams' rarely (claims does not smell like brakes- thinks is fluid steaming off), moreso after driving than any heavy braking. This started a couple weeks after brake pad replacement. rotors in spec. some brake fluid loss is evident, but no leaks evident at any of the lines or connections- rather, it lightly coats the backside of the wheel. application of brakes is not able to produce any leaking from caliper or hoses while on jackstands.

I'm thinking the caliper is the culprit, but I don't know enough about the internals of a caliper to know if fluid could get out of a stuck or broken piston.

Do I win the six pack?
Thanks
K

Brian Carlton · #2 11-18-2004, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djugurba

Symptoms: front left wheel 'steams' rarely

You must not be serious.

How are we to diagnose a problem with the vehicle if you provide a symptom like "front wheel 'steams' rarely"?

To determine if the caliper is leaking, take the wheel off and take the pads out and look at the dust boots to see if you see any fluid there. If it is leaking, it will leak from the seal and you will see it around the dust boot.

If anything else is causing your "steaming rarely", you will need to provide more info.

You only win the six pack if you solve the problem.

djugurba · #3 11-18-2004, 11:42 PM

well, the 'steaming' I have not seen myself, so I'm right there with you... My hunch was that it was a stuck piston on one side only that was keeping the pad in contact with the rotor, heating things up...

I got a smile over the steaming thing too...

I'm determined to get that beer...