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Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe


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JoeG_Sr
User

Sep 25, 2013, 6:55 AM

Post #1 of 7 (1584 views)
Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In

2000 Tahoe (new style), 5.3L, 4x4, 85,000 miles, dual piston calipers in the rear.

I'm a novice mechanic. On Sunday, I replaced the rear brake pads on my 2000 Tahoe. My wife drove it on Monday and complained about brake smell. On Tuesday, she didn't notice any smell. Her trips are about 10 miles.

Today, Wednesday, I drove it about 20 miles and when I stopped the left rear brake was smoking. The tire was warm as compared to the other three. I didn't feel the wheel.

I let it cool down for about an hour, drove home and no smoking brakes.

Any ideas?

Thanks!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 25, 2013, 7:32 AM

Post #2 of 7 (1574 views)
Re: Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In

They have a known problem with those aluminum calipers freezing up. You need to replace both calipers and the pads again now too because they have been overheated and glazed over.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 25, 2013, 7:54 AM

Post #3 of 7 (1570 views)
Re: Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In

Agree - It would be old enough if they are original anyway. Also - you tell me if this has the small drum brake inside hidden by the rotor for the parking brake? That can mess up too. It doesn't self clean nor drag from use while moving normally and have caused problems I've dealt with,

T



JoeG_Sr
User

Sep 25, 2013, 10:30 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1563 views)
Re: Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In


In Reply To
Also - you tell me if this has the small drum brake inside hidden by the rotor for the parking brake?


As I said I am a novice so exactly how would I look for this?

Real problem is I haven't had a full time job in 4 years which is why I was the one changing the brakes. Would you park it until I have the funds to replace the calipers?


(This post was edited by JoeG_Sr on Sep 25, 2013, 10:30 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 25, 2013, 10:42 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1557 views)
Re: Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In

If cable for parking brake isn't going to the caliper it's going the those little drum brakes -- you need to remove the rotor on those as it's also a drum brake you don't see. They can get junked up, rusted, dirt or who knows to mess those up? Cables must be free also like any.

If the service brake you should clearly see discoloration on the side that smoked vs the other and do both side of anything equally is always suggested.

Clearly you didn't service the rotors or you'd have known about the little drum brake and that's not a good way to do brakes,

T



JoeG_Sr
User

Sep 25, 2013, 10:52 AM

Post #6 of 7 (1552 views)
Re: Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In

What exactly do you mean by "service the rotors"? Are you strictly talking about having them turned (or replaced if needed)?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 25, 2013, 11:04 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1549 views)
Re: Intermittent Brake Smoking on Tahoe Sign In

If you replaced worn pads they needed it. Just tossing in pads is HACK, can create noises with the new pads, most have a rusty or less worn outer area and so on. Pads will break in to a new or resurfaced rotor tons better.

I can't force anyone to do it their way and there's a place with a sign near me stating they'll just toss in pads, chain place no less. With this even if you chose to fake it you would still take off the rotor and check things out at a bare minimum, clean up the hub to rotor contact area and inspect that parking drum brake.

I can't say that is causing the problem at all and your trouble was extreme enough I do think caliper is the issue so far. Have to suggest go back and do it right,

T







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