I would like some feedback on repairing a problem with my rear brakes.The car has always had a slight pull to the left on braking.Have installed pads,then front brake hoses.All new fluid,well bled.The pull is bad under hard braking,enough to pull the wheel.I have noticed a little squeal from left rear today,after some hard cornering and braking.Also,the left rear was covered in brake dust,virtualy none on the opposite side!
Where to begin to diagnose and repair this issue? Should I eliminate the brake compensator? It seems as though the right side is barely stopping ,although w/ emergency brake engaged or with someone holding the pedal down you can't spin either wheel.All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Craig
Craig Nelson
1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car Fling It Around Turns !
I have a couple of basic brake questions.I pulled one side and took loose the caliper.Should there be 4 of the little clips that hold the pad.I only have them on the top.
The rubber boot on the piston has a very small tear in it.Is this an issue?Also,what do you use to screw the piston back in,there is nothing in my tool box wide enough.
The pad on the inside was worn quite a bit more than the outside.Also,the backing plate was loose and fellout of the caliper.It has been chewed up by something (rotor,piston,brake monster).I am going to replace pads on both sides.Both hoses look pretty new and n good shape.Are the slides that everyone speaks of lubricating inside the caliper?
Thanks for any input,I am confused on what is causing my pull.These pic are from the left(pulling) side.Although I havent pulled the the pads on the other side they are in much better shape.This side also had a lot of brake dust on the wheel,none on the other.
Craig
Craig Nelson
1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car Fling It Around Turns !
The slides are the pieces of metal that the little wire clips were through. Clean then thoroughly and use caliper lube when putting them back in. Try using a metal file to turn the caliper if it's hard to turn the seals have dried up probably. After much looking I found a source for rebuilt caliper for 35$ see http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4742
Now I have one side that works well and I think the other side is frozen, just another project on my list!
Good luck!
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
Thanks for the replies,any help is appreciated!I am undecided as to whether to rebuild the calipers,or buy a couple already done.Pros and cons both ways.I am going to go after the piston with the end of a file to see if I can turn that sucker!!I used to own RX-7's and they have a tool w/ 2 prongs that fit into the piston.Easiest,best engineered system I have worked with.
Since I am going to replace the hoses,should I just go ahead and drain all the (1 month old) brake fluid.That way I can relieve the pressure on the piston. I replaced pads whe I bought the car,and the rears looked new.I was able to put in new pads without even turning the pistons in!! Good thing since the factory manual doesnt tell you that you have to screw the piston in.I was trying to retract it w/a C-clamp,like the front.May have damaged it then.
Mark,either way that seal will get replaced.I assumed that would eventually be a problem,and I only want to do this once.The rebuild kits do include the seal,dont they?
Ralph,I removed the spacers to bring the wheels in a little.The locating pins were gouging into my aftermarket wheels,even after grinding them down some.I eliminated them also,it hasnt seemed to be a problem.
T.S., PM sent
Tanks,Craig
Craig Nelson
1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car Fling It Around Turns !
I would do that ,Mike.I just have a fear of the car coming back painted in black wrinkle! I pulled everything off today,cleaned,painted,polished,etc...I may not be a great mechanic,but I am a helluva detailer.Is there any way to cap the hose so I dont leak all the fluid,so I can remove the caliper?I am going to rebuild them and replace the hoses.The left inside pad was worn down to nothing.The outside left and both right pads looked fine.I suspect the hose on the right side is part of my problem.The backing plate was mangled on the left inside pad and I believe it was dragging.Ordered parts from Vicks ,hope to be back on the road this weekend.
If not,off to cold Michigan!
Craig
Craig Nelson
1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car Fling It Around Turns !
once you disconnect that caliper from the hose, you will be bleeding that half of the car, cuz there's never a good way to prevent air from traveling up those lines.
besides, that fluid isn't that expensive... just a messy job.
I pulled everything off today,cleaned,painted,polished,etc...I may not be a great mechanic,but I am a helluva detailer.Is there any way to cap the hose so I dont leak all the fluid,so I can remove the caliper?I am going to rebuild them and replace the hoses.The left inside pad was worn down to nothing.The outside left and both right pads looked fine.I suspect the hose on the right side is part of my problem.The backing plate was mangled on the left inside pad and I believe it was dragging.Ordered parts from Vicks ,hope to be back on the road this weekend.