New brake pads, wheel is dragging?

[drooartz]

As part of my brake system work this spring I installed a set of EBC pads for the front brakes on my MGB. Both sides went in okay, but once in the hubs were a bit tough to turn -- like the pads were dragging.

Did a quick drive today after I installed the new hoses and bled the lines. Front right now seems to turn free with the wheel off the ground. Front left is still dragging and there was some "brake" smell on that side.

Is this normal? Are the pads just settling in?

 

[DrEntropy]

The pads generally ride JUST off tension. If it feels like it is restricting the wheel as it spins, you may have:

A) Some swarf in the channels where the pad backings ride in the caliper (doubtful, I know you're thorough).

B) Piston in the caliper bore is "stuck" because it hasn't ridden that far into the bore for a while.

Drive around slowly a bit, applying the brakes "briskly" (NOT just stabbing 'em to lock-up) a few times, lift the corner and try spinning the wheel again. It ~may~ be the material is a bit thicker than it should be, may need to bed in a bit.

The pistons never do "retract", rather they just quit (or are supposed to) putting pressure on the pads.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks, Doc. Pulled the pads and there was still a bit of gunk around the pistons (old anti-squeal I think). With a block in place of the pads I did a gentle brake pedal push to get the pistons to come out a little, and did a better job of cleaning them up. Did the trick, so I'll go back and hit the other side just to be sure. Just didn't get all the gunk out.

Works much better now, and I can smell the difference. Another learning moment for me.

 

[drooartz]

Cleaned the other side after dinner and took another drive. Passed the sniff test (no brake pad smell either side). I'll do a better job cleaning next time I change pads.

 

[DrEntropy]

:thumbsup: