Brake caliper or wheel bearing problem

We don't know either.... since you are there, you need to be our eyes and ears.... does the wheel spin freely? does the bearing feel rough or make noise? Is the brake caliper releasing?

Like Jim says, see if the wheel spins freely. if it doesnt, then remove the caliper and see if it does.

Have you repacket the wheel bearings lately ? they may have gotten over-tightened...

more info necessary !

** Hello - ** ** I need some input regarding a problem I'm having w/ my '88 LX. After ** driving around for awhile, I started smelling an odor as like plastic ** burning. Also, the vehicle will not coast normally once I shift to neutral ** but seems to feel like it's braking very gradually. Once I parked the car, ** I noticed that the right frt wheel is hot while the left one feels just ** warm. I've taken the wheel off and checked the caliper but spotted nothing ** abnormal visually. Any suggestions as to possible cause of my problems? I ** have my tools and ready to wrench away but don't know what to wrench on. ** Thanks! ** ** Jose L.

When you smell this burning plastic odor, are your windows open? Vent on?

Does the steering pull abnormally to one side? Worse when the brakes are applied? (possible brake problem)

Do you hear a growling/grinding noise only when you turn to the left, or to the right? (possible bearing problem.)

Raise the front of the car, both wheels off the ground. Spin each. Do they spin freely? Place your hands on the top of each tire and 'wiggle' each back and forth. Do you detect any play or clunking noises?

-JD

-------------------------------- Enlightenment for The Masses: http:/207.13.104.8/users/jdadams--------------------------------

Hi there...

First, let me thank all who answered for taking the time to do so. As for additional info...

1. No noise noted when driving.
2. No play or wiggle in wheel when jacked up.
3. Odor noted when the windows are open.
4. Wheel does not spin as freely as I think as it should for that side. I noted that the brake pads are in slight contact w/ rotors but I assume this is normal as removing & replacing the caliper is not that difficult (with everything cooled down of course).
5. When braking, the veh does not start pulling to the left until the odor starts and this is usually after I driven around town for awhile.

Please excuse my ignorance in these matters but I'm just starting to branch out in doing my own car work wherever possible since I can't afford to take the car someplace everytime I have a problem. Thanks again.

Jose L.

With the wheel jacked up (and on stands, naturally) apply the brakes hard with the motor running. See if the wheel can be rotated immediately after the brakes are released. A faulty hose (or caliper for that matter) can keep the brake applied long enough to generate excess heat.

Good luck.

Jim Warman snipped-for-privacy@teluspplanet.net

My rear passenger-side caliper was dead & stayed engaged/extended/whatever (pushing the brake pad against the rotor) and I *knew* I could hear something constantly (metal scraping against rotor.. brake pad was GONE).. in the end I replaced the caliper & rotor & pads.. bled it too.. wasn't fun.

-Mike

It doesn't appear to be a stuck caliper as when the vehicle is "cold", there is no resistance in regards to wheel spin. However, would a warped rotor cause this when it starts heating up? With the heat buildup, would the warp get worse as the metal expands? I'm just trying to narrow things down to minimize my trips to auto parts store.

I honestly don't know... my rotors were all pretty warped.. only had to replace 1.. got the rest resurfaced.

-Mike

engaged/extended/whatever

Based on all the info provided, I plan on replacing both front calipers and have the rotors resurfaced. Only way to be sure... Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and for not giving any flippant answers like I've seen in this group lately.

Jose

Why not see which pads are showing abnormal wear & look specifically at those calipers/pads/rotors/etc. Find out the problem specifically & fix it... it's not as friendly on your wallet to just replace parts that "might" fix it. Just my .02 cents.

-Mike

Hmm, sounds like a bearing issue. Can you hear a fain noise or vibration from the front end? How long since the last re-pack?

" I need some input regarding a problem I'm having w/ my '88 LX. After