Dumb Ass Brake Question

[clarkedj]

I know this is the wrong section but I would not have this problem if I did not put a new rear end on my 1978 Fiat 124. I have done many brake jobs both front and rear many times. However this time since I was putting a new differential in I thought I would pull the brake from both sides of the car including the part that holds the pads. I then proceeded to paint the caliper and pad holder ( someone supply a name I feel foolish ) and placed them back on the car. However I did not notice which pad holder was on what side I suspect a foolish mistake. My problem is I took the car out for a drive and on the driver side I noticed on the inside of the new rotor ( part that faces the differential) a groove was being warn in the rotor. The passenger side had the same thing not nearly as bad. The wheels rotated while on the stands supported under the rear shocks but they were stiff. I assumed at the time it was due to the new pads. My Question finally:

Does the pad holder have a left and right specific side that I may have confused when I pulled the brake system apart? If so how do I tell the difference? If not any helpful ideas on the rubbing would be greatly appreciated. Again I have changed these brakes several times over the years and this is the first time I have had any problems.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[So Cal Mark]

what part are you calling a pad holder, the caliper bracket? Those can be interchanged. I'd bet that you have the long anti-rattle springs that go under the pad, and they're installed incorrectly. They have different thicknesses for the inner and outer locations

[clarkedj]

Mark,

Thanks for the response I will bet you are right. Does the thin one go on the caliper side or is it the wider one? I also seem to recall there is a cutout in the spring. Should the cutout be toward the caliper or the rotor, Same for the outside spring toward the rotor or wheel hub. Damn I can't believe I did that. Something else I should have noted.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[v6spider]

Sounds right to me...
Rob

[81SPIDERMATT]

the bolt that holds the caliper bracket should have a washer on it.... without the washer the bolt will go thru too far and contact the rotor .... ask me how i know... there should be 2 bolts what i would call the lower one falls inside the recessed part of the rotor ...but the top one hits the inside edge of rotor ...near the outside edge... right??? is that where the groove is.... while it is together you should be able to stick your finger in there and feel that bolt rubbing the rotor.... simple fix... remove bolt and add a washer.... or could be the springs.... Matt

[clarkedj]

Problem solved! Guys thanks for the help. The problem was a combination of Marks suggestion on the positioning of the pad springs on the brackets and 81 spiders suggestion on the bolt that holds the brackets. All the bolts had a washer but it seems one of the bolts was a .25 inch too long. Not sure why this has not happened in the past as I have done many brake jobs on the car. My only guess is somewhere along the line I might have replaced the bolt or picked up the wrong bolt and put a washer on it. Drove the car and all is good in fact the the rotors were not even warm, usually they are a little hot to the touch. I did not the front brake rotors were hot to the touch as they have always been. Think it might be worth the effort to take another look at the front. Any suggestions you guys have as to whether your rotors run hot or not would help. Definition of hot when touch with a finger to surface is too hot to leave your finger on it.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[rlux4]

The heat is caused from friction. You're pads are not releasing. You'll not only get the heat, you'll wear out the pads quicker if you don't find the cause. A couple things could cause it; the slides are not smooth and lubed, or the brake line is collapsed inside and fluid can't push back through the built up pressure. If you put the front up you'll no doubt find that the wheels don't spin freely by hand.
Ron