Dmax
Well-Known Member
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- Dec 26, 2019
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- Denver, CO
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- 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat 4x4
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- #16
love the insight. However what if one doesn’t have the ability to do what you’re saying. Would you call the dealer and just ask them to check brakes for dragging? My breaks seem to squeak a lot after it rains for days until it stops. My garage always has a strange smell after decent drives. It’s not coming from the engine itself so the brakes seem logical. I’m not a person who uses brakes aggressively. So it’s confusing. This is foreign to me so any insight appreciated.Have you got a front brake dragging? A bit of a drag might heat it and the rotor up enough to cause a problem.
Several ways to check.
1)if you have one of the inexpensive laser thermometers (Harbor Freight, about $25), check the hubs/rotors after you get home. Takes 30 seconds to do both if you're quick. You can also use it to check the brakes/after a tow in the hills with a heavy trailer. On a cross country trip, you can check all 4 hubs and tires as well as your trailer in a couple minutes. Take note of the temps and you'll be able to recognize a problem caused by a slow leak or hot brake or bearing before it becomes major. Recommended.
2) place the BACK of your hand against the hub. If one is noticeably hotter, it may be dragging. (Not recommended)
3) jack the wheels up and spin them by hand. You may be able to feel a difference in drag, or hear something dragging on the rotor, wheel or tire. If you are CERTAIN your jack/stand is solid, place your hands on the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and try to shake the wheel. If the bearing is bad enough, you will feel it. DO NOT shake top/bottom because if it falls off the jack, your bottom hand may be trapped.
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