My suggestion of having the car on jackstands while a helper applies the brakes can help take the guesswork out of "Which wheel has the problem????" By trying to turn each wheel with the brake fully applied you can determine which one is holding versus which one needs more adjustment. Trying to do so by applying the brakes going down the road doesn't always tell you that. Skid marks can be dependent on surface under each tire, how much dirt under each tire, etc. Having the car jacked up eliminates those variables and can at least give you a starting point if you need further disassembly and exploration.
Break noise.
- Thread starter cavalierhome
- Start date
Bob Bidonde
Well-known member
BB, great advice in your Whoa!
Another idea, if you don't have 4 jack stands, is to purchase a $20 infra red thermometer.
Drive the car and apply the brakes a 1/2 dozen times then hop out and aim the temp gun through the spokes at the top of the brake drum. Tweak the adjusters clockwise to increase heat and ccw to lower.
A 1/2 dozen meaningful applications of the brakes on our coupe will give temps in the range of 110-120. Yours may vary. I have used this method multiple times and the temps can be adjusted within 6-10 degrees without much trouble. Our coupe has good brake components and stops correctly.
Drive the car and apply the brakes a 1/2 dozen times then hop out and aim the temp gun through the spokes at the top of the brake drum. Tweak the adjusters clockwise to increase heat and ccw to lower.
A 1/2 dozen meaningful applications of the brakes on our coupe will give temps in the range of 110-120. Yours may vary. I have used this method multiple times and the temps can be adjusted within 6-10 degrees without much trouble. Our coupe has good brake components and stops correctly.