Front brake problems

[dmwhiteoak]

Hey Guy's . Got a small problem and need some help. I replaced all brake rotors and pads and also installed the stainless braided brake lines. All worked out fine except my front left caliper is rubbing the rotor. Every thing is assembled correctly and I removed and reinstalled the caliper and pads but it still rubs. I measured the new rotor and it is the same as the old one. If I back up and brake the rotor gets clearance and does not rub. Hard braking forward and its rubbing again. Got it disassembled now but other things going on right now. Will get back on this this evening. Just thought I would throw this out there and get another opinion on what might be causing this. Here is a pic of the wear of the caliper.



Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated .

[opus10583]

Hi,

Are you missing a caliper bracket bolt?

I had this same problem and symptoms after my car threw the upper bolt.

Careful what you replace it with.

Ciao,
Mark

Hey Guy's . Got a small problem and need some help. I replaced all brake rotors and pads and also installed the stainless braided brake lines. All worked out fine except my front left caliper is rubbing the rotor. Every thing is assembled correctly and I removed and reinstalled the caliper and pads but it still rubs. I measured the new rotor and it is the same as the old one. If I back up and brake the rotor gets clearance and does not rub. Hard braking forward and its rubbing again. Got it disassembled now but other things going on right now. Will get back on this this evening. Just thought I would throw this out there and get another opinion on what might be causing this. Here is a pic of the wear of the caliper.



Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated .

[dmwhiteoak]

I have both original bolts in the bracket. Not any play in the bracket. I will put it all back this evening and try to get some clearence.

[tartan18]

On my 1975 I discovered when I replaced the front brake calipers that the bracket bolts were of a sightly different length. When I got it put back together I had rubbing. Switching the bracket bolts cured the problem.

[vandor]

Post a pic of it assembled. You may not have assembled it right
I've seen it happen before.

[dmwhiteoak]

For all you Fiat brake experts out there I need help! This evening I put everything back together while scrutinizing every part.( hope I spelled it right) Mounted the wheel and could just barely turn the wheel by hand. Took every thing off again and reassembled . This time I installed the top wedge in the caliper first , I had been saving it for last because it was easier to tap in with a hammer and punch. Had a little drag but a heck of a lot better than before. Drove it about 3 miles and would still grind a little . Metal on metal. If tomorrow allows time I will Replace the new rotor with one of the old as this is the only thing replaced other than the pads . Not much gets me misconcrewed but right now I am at a loss for a solution.

[dmwhiteoak]

Here are the pics.



This is the lower wedge.






Sorry for the poor quality of pics . they were from my phone.

[vandor]

As I thought you have the caliper springs in the wrong place (the large wire springs that clip into the caliper holder and push on the caliper). They should not touch the wedge, they go in the 90 degree pocket to the inside of the wedge.
Look at the other side or the rear brakes and it will be obvious.

[So Cal Mark]

yep, with the springs in that position the calipers are wedged and won't slide, severely diminishing braking ability

[dmwhiteoak]

Thank Scaba but the other side is the same. Are you saying that the spring goes under the caliper and the wedges on top?

[vandor]

Yes. Like this:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=15787

scroll halfway down.

[dmwhiteoak]

I will wear this stupid sign on my forehead for a couple days but that's it. I swear they were all that way when I got the car. Oh well, learn something every day. Thanks for the help.