8 replies to this topic

[l_bratch]

Model: Cooper Si
Year: 1995
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Hi there

For the last two or three months one of the pistons in my right-hand caliper was completely stuck, causing crazy pulling left whilst braking. I've just had both calipers rebuilt, and the braking is now a low straighter.

Now that the right-hand caliper is working properly, there is a lot of vibration coming from the brakes (sounds like the right-hand side), presumably due to the disc becoming warped due to all the half-caliper braking.

In addition, in the last few weeks, a squeaky/squealy sound has been coming from the right-hand front wheel area, which squeaks/squeals relative to road speed. It is most noticable at speeds below about 20 mph, when going straight, when coasting or braking (does not seem to happen when accelerating).

So my questions are:
1. Does it sound reasonable to assume that the stuck piston would cause a warped disc, and thus the vibration that I am feeling?
2. Might this squeaky noise be caused by that warped disc, and might changing the disc(s) fix it? If not, what else might it be?

Thanks very much
Luke

Edited by l_bratch, 01 August 2010 - 12:49 PM.

[GTIAlex06]

Wow i love you right now. This is so werid. Got the exact same problem. Even the noise and relative road speed and everything!

My brakes cooked when i was in wales a few weeks back, and been doing some crazy pulling to the left. think iv warped a disk and the passenger caliper is sticking causing the pulling.

Id also like those same questions answerd




Thanks....Alex...

[l_bratch]

*cheeky bump*

Somewhat comforting to know you're having the same issue Alex...

[Carlzilla]

Mine used to squeak like hell, that was a siezed piston on the caliper, what caused the squeaking was the fact that the piston wasnt returning back to where it should be, so the pad was constantly rubbing on the disc, i think you can buy discs and pads for next to nothing from minispares, so buy those and try that, for the little cost it involves, if the problem persists at least you know the discs are then not at fault, and you have nice new ones

then you can begin to look at the calipers again, but whip the brake pads out before you do anything else and try to push the pistons back in, if they go in easily they should both be okay, if they dont you may have found your problem. if you didnt rebuild the calipers yourself, take the offending caliper back to whoever rebuilt them and demand they fix the problem. it shouldnt cost them much, possibly a new seal kit and 2 pistons and a little work

Edited by Carlzilla, 18 July 2010 - 01:58 PM.

[l_bratch]

I'll order some new discs and pads tonight then, and see if that helps. Thanks for your input.

[Carlzilla]

no worries, im actually looking forwards as to whats causing the problem. im in the middle of a complete brake refurb at the minute, not long ago i bought new drums, pads, discs, shoes, rear drum adjusters.

and ive just refurbed my calipers with 4 stainless pistons and new seals, new brakepads again because the seized caliper mashed one up, new split pins and pad guides, new shoes which i never got roung to fitting previously as my old ones were ok, braided hoses all round, 2 rear cylinders and now i need some lengths of copper pipe made up because of siezed nuts.

i'll get there eventually lol

Edited by Carlzilla, 18 July 2010 - 07:06 PM.

[Pauly]

I would say its warped disks, if not then next port of call would be wheel bearing.

[l_bratch]

I've just finished fitting the new pads and discs, and after a mile or so test the squeak did not appear. I'll post again after a few days though, as my short test was not very thorough. Wobbling and feedback through pedal has disappeared completely, by the way.

Edited by l_bratch, 24 July 2010 - 05:34 PM.

[l_bratch]

I forgot to post back in this thread - replacing the discs and pads has fixed the squeaking. I was worried it was going to be the wheel bearing, but it seems not.