Excessive brake dust on front left wheel? Smell something burning?

[GinNBoost]

I just finished washing my car only a few days ago and already the front driver's side wheel is covered in black stuff. Almost like something disintegrated onto the wheel. Meanwhile the other 3 wheels look spotless. I can also smell something burning from that same wheel. I very rarely have to brake hard. Could something be wrong with my brake pads? My car also does shake when I apply the brakes at around 40-50 mph. So I figure I need to replace the rotors, but what could be the cause of this excessive brake dust? Any help would be great, thanks.

 

[1stGenRocks]

sounds like a dragging caliper. are the pads worn thinner on that side then the right side?

 

[dieseltech]

Definately sounds like a sticking caliper. It could also be a hose that has collapsed internally and is holding pressure to the caliper once the brakes are released. The caliper slides could also need a good cleaning. I'd remove the wheel. Remove the caliper. Then loosed the bleeder screw, this will relieve line pressure if there is any. Retighten the bleeder screw and attemp to remove the caliper from the rotor. It should drag slightly, but if you experience difficulities it's your caliper sticking. Change the caliper and hose if this is the case. Change your now warped rotor and change brake pads. Completely bleed the system of old fluid. Brake fluid is extremely hydroscopic (it attracts water). Usually water collects at the caiper piston causing it to rust and eventually freeze. By flushing the system you'll hopefully lengthen the life of the rest of the calipers. Good luck.

 

[GinNBoost]

Definately sounds like a sticking caliper. It could also be a hose that has collapsed internally and is holding pressure to the caliper once the brakes are released. The caliper slides could also need a good cleaning. I'd remove the wheel. Remove the caliper. Then loosed the bleeder screw, this will relieve line pressure if there is any. Retighten the bleeder screw and attemp to remove the caliper from the rotor. It should drag slightly, but if you experience difficulities it's your caliper sticking. Change the caliper and hose if this is the case. Change your now warped rotor and change brake pads. Completely bleed the system of old fluid. Brake fluid is extremely hydroscopic (it attracts water). Usually water collects at the caiper piston causing it to rust and eventually freeze. By flushing the system you'll hopefully lengthen the life of the rest of the calipers. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies guys. So I'll definitely be needing a new caliper if it's sticking? I was planning on purchasing new rotors and brake pads all around to begin with so should I go ahead and find a new caliper as well?

 

[housegsx]

Yes just replace the caliper. Thats the easiest way and usually they are fairly cheap with a core return at most auto parts stores. When I replaced my rear calipers they even came with new cheap pads. Mine were hanging up on the guide pins and no amount of cleaning and regreasing fixed the problem. Be sure to replace that rotor with a quality new one.

 

[kspharris]

Mine is kinda doing the same thing except no burning smell. When I turn right and are going at any speed greater than coasting then it starts rubbing/squeaking on the right front. It also when I am applying the brakes, I can here it squeaking as I press the pedal and release the pedal. It is like the squeak is connected to the pedal. I have a stud or two broke on every wheel. I have new studs I am waiting for my rotors to come in so that I can change them all at once. I am also going to do the AWD upgrade. I think this will fix everything how about you guys? Any other things that I should look at?