97 A4 rear brakes problem

[walda356]

I changed rear brake pads. I worked the caliper pistons in and out - pistons appear to be good - not seized. Within 1 wk, pass. side pads started to smoke. I took the brakes apart again, worked the piston, pins are moving freely - put it back together but having the same problem. Also it appears that the rear rotors are running hotter than the front. Was told it is likely the caliper !!. Rear wheels could be turned by hand, pads do not appear to be dragging. Any suggestions what is causing the brakes to overheat. Left rear is not smoking but rotor seems to be running hot as well. Could brake lines be collapsing and restricting the pressure to releave the piston? Any help is appreaciated.
Thx
walda

[mikeresnik]

you could have a caliper problem but if the caliper piston is twisting back i would check the brake hoses and also check for a sticking parking brake cable first and also if the caliper is pushing back without twisting thats a problem. let me know what you find

[walda356]

Mike,thanks for the reply. As it turns out it, the problem with dragging was related to both rear calipers not fully releasing. After dissassembling the brakes again and working the pistons several times in and out, dragging would stop for a while and then it would come back again. After all, the car is 12 years old with 190K miles. Long story short, rear brakes got complete overhaul. New calipers, new rotors, new brake hoses in rear, flushing the fluid and bleed the brakes. I left the Ebrake disconnected for now and once I confirm the brakes are working properly I will reconnect the cable and adjust it.
Cheers,
Walt

[jaimesonlee]

Originally Posted by walda356

Mike,thanks for the reply. As it turns out it, the problem with dragging was related to both rear calipers not fully releasing. After dissassembling the brakes again and working the pistons several times in and out, dragging would stop for a while and then it would come back again. After all, the car is 12 years old with 190K miles. Long story short, rear brakes got complete overhaul. New calipers, new rotors, new brake hoses in rear, flushing the fluid and bleed the brakes. I left the Ebrake disconnected for now and once I confirm the brakes are working properly I will reconnect the cable and adjust it.
Cheers,
Walt

That's a good idea. I was gonna suggest flushing the fluid and checking the P brake. Did you use DOT4? Also, did you lube the slide pins with new grease when you changed the pads?

I know you say it's fixed now but it kinda got me wondering.