1999 Aerodeck front brakes heating up

[jacktar]

I wonder if anyone has experienced a problem with the front brake pads intermittently heating up badly. About a month ago I was on a day out when I heard a sound as though I had a flat tyre. I pulled over and found the front off-side brake pads smoking and as hot as hell. (Couldn't put my hand anywhere near the calliper or disk.) Okay, I thought, the pads must be finished although I hadn't heard any metal to metal sounds. I let everything cool down and drove slowly home but surprise, surprise, no noise and the brakes worked fine.

I took the wheel off and checked the pads but there was plenty of meat and more to the point, the brakes were cool. I surmised that I had maybe picked up a bit of grit or rust. Problem solved.

NOT SO. After about 800 miles of driving, last week it happened again. Then again today. This time I checked the bearing to see if it was the hub heating up and not the brakes although I'm sure it would have fallen off by now. I couldn't find any movement and once again, when I took the car for a drive everything was perfect. I'm stumped. I would appreciate any ideas from anyone with a greater knowledge than me. (Which includes everyone in the world apart from my wife and 3 daughters. On second thoughts, include my wife.)  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Thanks everyone

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John

[10000rpm]

Hi John, sounds like a sticky brake caliper.

[Dave]

Totally agree with Naz, deffo a sticking caliper mate. Had exactly the same symptoms on Ruby (my old MB6) same noise you describe and the wheel etc would heat up. Strip down the caliper and make sure the sliding pins can move freely. They need to be nice and smooth and well greased up (copper grease). It may just be the pins, although it can also be the piston that's getting stuck. You can strip out the piston and clean it up/replace it but you'll need to replace the rubber seals on it too. Probably less hassle and cheaper just to buy a recon caliper for it mate, that's what I did. But do try the sliding pins first as those are the easiest/cheapest option to fix.

[jacktar]

Thanks guys. I'll get straight on to it this morning. I'll try the pins first but if push comes to shove, do you know where to find a re-conditioned calliper? Is there a company that specialises in Aerodeck parts?

                                            Thanks again,

                                                John

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

[Krzys]

Should easily get one from any good local motor factors mate.