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Tiny
MLR
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  • CHEVROLET BLAZER
The back breaks were really worn down, so I had them replaced. I pulled out of the shop and felt like the car was kind of dragging a little.

Drove 1 mile to my house and parked, then I smelled smoke. But didn't see anything.

The next day I drove about 6 miles when there was smoke pouring out of the back of my car, just above the back wheels.

I took it to the repair shop and they said there was probably sand or dirt or something where the piston is. And I might need new ones. (Something about the piston thing sticking out too far for too long, and allowing dirt to get under it. And it smokes)

Also, as I drove the 3 miles to the shop, I was having to push on my breaks more and more because they weren't working!

The shop said this was because the breaks were hot.

I'm just trying to find out if this sounds right. Or are they charging me for new parts to cover up the fact that maybe they didn't put the breaks on correctly.

Thank you for any help you can offer!
Monday, August 13th, 2007 AT 10:00 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Sounds like they didn't test drive it competently after the work. They should have felt what the caliper piston was like when they pushed it in to get the new pads on. I don't think this is a mis-installation issue as much as an issue with paying attention to what it needs, and making sure it was good going out the door before you picked up.

I would ask them if the problem happens after the calipers are replaced, how much of the bill are they going to pick up. FOr example, a brake chose that is collapsed internally can make a caliper stick.
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Friday, March 19th, 2021 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
ELLIOTTCOX
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I had the same problem on my 98 Blazer after I replaced the rotors and pads. New calipers and a brake bleed fixed the problem for me. Once the calipers are extended so far for so long they tend to not want to back off. I dont think the repair shop did anything wrong when they replaced the pads, but I agree with the previous poster that they should have driven the vehicle first since the fuel tank is only about 8 inches from the left rear brake. A brake catching on fire that close to a fuel tank could get really ugly really quickly.

Regards,

Elliott
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Friday, March 19th, 2021 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
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Maybe caalipers are in order, but aaI have never heard of or experienced braakes ever catching on fire. Not to say I have experienced everything.
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Friday, March 19th, 2021 AT 12:14 PM

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