Smoke? Hot Smell from Wheels? Check Your Brakes! Diagnosing Seized Brake Calipers

Do you see smoke, smell a hot or burning smell coming from your wheels? Can you feel heat radiating off your brake rotors? The problem is likely a seized brake caliper! When brake calipers stick, or seize up, the brake pads remain in contact with the brake rotor while your drive, which creates lots of friction and head. It's basically like driving around with your foot on the brake pedal the whole time! In this video, hot smelly brakes lead Andy to diagnose the brake caliper, where he discovers rusted slider pins. The slider pins need to move in and out freely. If they get stuck, the brake caliper can remain clamped down on the brake rotor, which in turn heat up the brakes excessively. Andy points out the problem, shows you how you might be able to unstick and repair the rusted sliders, but ultimately replaces the caliper entirely, which is the safest option.

For more great diagnostic videos check out this playlist:

0:00 Diagnosing a Seized Brake Caliper
3:45 Removing the Stuck Slider Pin
8:31 Clean the Caliper Slider Pin and Bracket
12:30 Or Replace the Caliper!

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[Just_J_]

think u just saved my life, didn't know what was causing my brakes to overheat and smoke

[coburn_karma]

Very rare to see caliper repair these days with low priced new calipers on the market....thank you for taking the time to share.

[yeagemk]

The bob ross of mechanics. Very relaxing to follow along with

[pareeks]

I'm just in awe of all the tools and machinery you have at your disposal. You have even got a gas torch of high grade! Marksmanship is on point as well❤

[colorado]

Great advice and explanation, for the people who like to understand what is going on.

[OSRS_KQs]

Just figured mine out. The caliper piston is the style that needs rotated to collapse it for new pads. However, there are 4 recesses on the face of the piston for rotating it, and the recess has to line up with a tab on the brake pad that the scratch warning plate sits on. It was causing uneven pressure on the pads so they seized pretty hard and got hot.

[TheKramer]

Thank you. I'm trying to do a similar job and being refreshed on basics that work saved me a lot of time getting up and down and fighting stuck parts. I'm a forever injured guy. Again, thank you.

[AZHighlandHomestead]

Video really shows how valuable the cheap rebuilt calipers are for the money

[michaelreeves]

Very professional. I was happy you didn't reuse the old caliper and pins. Thanks for the tips.

[cardo]

Definitely one of the best auto repair channels on YouTube 🔧🧰👍🏽

[OldSchoolNoe]

Fantastic! So many skills on display. Quick quiz for the viewers interested in a career in automotive. (Answers found in video)

1. What type of brake fluid is commonly used?
2. What type of grease is used on the caliper slide pins?
3. To "bleed" the brakes you loosen the
4. True or False: A torn caliper slide pin boot is OK and should be left alone.
5. Two technicians are discussing a seized brake caliper. Technician A says the brake fluid needs to be changed. Technician B says a slide pin could be the cause. Which technician is correct?

[MrHank]

This video seems better than your other ones

[josephkasprzyk]

First off. That’s a very clean garage!!! Secondly. You were very helpful to me! Thanks

[AlesiaShorelinephotographer]

This video was so awesome! Thank you for taking it step by step clearly. I now have a better understanding of what do in this situation.

[dwightlee]

By the way.. you uploaded on the thanksgiving day. Working hard.. Thanks !

[landshass]

I found it time consuming to get a new bracket because it requires new rubber boots and new pins. So I just order a caliper bracket set with pins and rubbers included. So it's a good time to gravity bleed the brakes.

[trusso]

I changed my brakes and rotors last October. By Feb, my left rear brakes were down to metal. I looked at caliper but the guides moved fine. I even put more grease in to make sure. Now, I smell a string smell from that same brake. Could it be something else or does it sound like it could be the caliper.

[richardyap]

You are a cool guy. Doing so much and yet keeping your composure. Liked.

[OmarSharif-jstx]

I lived to way you explained everything excellent bro👍🏼