could do with some quick advice please!

[mk1joe]

i found this on the floor where i striped the brake down, its the clip that sits on top of the carrier, but im not sure what it does, it doesn't hold the pads in.



its obviously been rubbing on the disc but could it really make that much heat?

[twiss]

I think it's meant to stop the pads vibrating around.
Its probably the pads been rubbing on the discs where they've been vibrating?

That would explain squeaky noises as well

[mk1joe]

cool,
i think there is a seperate clip that holds the pads in place so i removed this clip and took it for a drive and it didnt get hot, but today i drove to work and noticed that it is getting hot again, and it only seems to be binding when it is hot. there is play in the wheel bearing but it dosnt seem to be making any noise. is the bearing oiled by the diff oil or is it greased seperately? so if it is dry its probably whats making the heat then.

[twiss]

The wheel bearing is splash fed by the diff as far as I can remember...

[ScottieJ]

No the front bearings are just greased, I would whip it apart to check they haven't gone dry.

[mk1joe]

ok, cheers! i will have a look.

[Darrell]

Bet it's the caliper dragging a bit.
Had the same problem on mine a few times. Well I have had it since 1999 . I normally strip the caliper and clean the piston up with fine wire wool and wd40. Give it a dam good clean, smear with new fluid and refit. Seems to work well enough for a good few years at a time. Also make sure the sliders/pins are free moving. If you grease these use rubber grease as petroleum based grease will ruin the rubbers over time.

Obviously jack it up first to see/feel how easy the wheel spins. Mine have only dragged a little and known to get really hot. I guess as they get hot they have dragged a little more , creating more heat and so on. Burnt me dam finger sticking it though the wheel onto the disc once .
As I understand it, it's a very common problem depending on the make of the caliper (think mine are the asin one's)

[Darrell]

No the front bearings are just greased, I would whip it apart to check they haven't gone dry.

I should have done that, but being a lazy git couldn't be assed

[mk1joe]

yep, your right darrell, i was jumping to conclusion a bit as i tested the caliper a few weeks ok and it was ok but it must have seized up since then, i went and bought a second hand one today which also didnt work so hopefully i will get my money back. i will take my caliper into work and free it up as you said, but what is the best way to remove the piston when it is stuck in? and is there anyware where i can buy a new one?
cheers again
Joe

[Darrell]

Reconditioned calipers are about £80 exchange so not cheap. I have been told you can get new seals from "Brakesinternational" but have to ring them as they are not listed on the website. Compressed air is the normal to push the piston out "with a nice piece of rag in the caliper to stop the piston getting scratched when it pops out". I however after having one so stuck that compressed air wouldn't shift it now just use the footbrake to push the piston out. I fit a hose-clamp to the brake line with enough tension that it acts like a one way valve (IE footpedal can push oil past) and place the caliper in a tub. I then just pump the piston out. As soon as its out though I tighten the clamp. You do have to keep your eye on the fluid reservoir level as you don't want to let it get so low as to get air in.