Broken Brake

[blanchardkeith]

driving the other day my 75 starting a nasty grinding screeching noise. Later my driver side front brake started to engage w/out my effort. Upon getting home I have something melting around my brakes. (haven't taken off the wheel) too upset? Any thoughts of what made it do that?

[TulsaSpider]

Well don't drive it like that for sure! Have you replaced the hoses? They can deteriorate internally and the pressure doesn't release back to the master cylinder causing constant pressure on the pads. Could be sticking caliper as well. I would remove the wheel and see what's happening first of all. Take everything apart and lube it up with caliper lube, do both sides. Replace those hoses too if you don't know when they were last replaced. How's the pad wear? These brakes are pretty simple and there's always assistance here!

[blanchardkeith]

Man, I found out the cause. Not the brakes. My bearings were toast....Gone.....Non existent. Wheel almost fell off...Wondering how that might have happened. Could a tow truck towing backwards on the front wheels do that?!? (just recently done). Thanks
Keith

[TulsaSpider]

I doubt that towing would cause them to fail. How far was it towed? You will have to determine if the spindle is destroyed now.

[pope]

Only if he towed it from Boston to Oklahoma going 80.
Most likely, the bearing had not been greased in quite a while and once they are dry, doesnt take long. Think of the great ride your going to have once you get new parts on. I think we would all appreciate some pictures of the damage to be a warning to all of us. I think we just change the brakes and forget to grease the front hubs most of the time and this would serve as a good reminder, if you dont mind.

The other thing that is a possibility is that the shaft nut was too tight or too loose, dont know when the last time it was taken apart.

[blanchardkeith]

Well there was not much to take a pic of, it all melted and was disintegrated. The only part I saw was the spindle. Thankfully it was fine. Got the inner and outer bearings and a new seal. Already fixed as well by the time I read your post. Sorry. It had not been greased in forever and a day. Now after, radiator, alternator, shocks, ball joints, head gasket, control arms, body work, interior makeover.........she should run for more than 50 miles. What else can break?!?

[pope]

Awe you shouldnt have said that....

[mdrburchette]

Oh my. You'll have the wrath of the Fiat Gods coming down on you now.