New brakes, how much is too much drag?

JOHARE

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA TACOMA
2.7L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

I installed new calipers, rotors and pads and noticed a slight drag. With them wheels jacked up I can spin them enough by hand for it to continue rotating by itself for several turns but I can hear them rubbing slightly. On my initial break in drive they also started smoking. I did perform a full flush before and bleed out air after.

I've read a little dragging and smoking can be normal with brand new brakes but.

How much is too much and how do I know?

I don't want to take it on that highway and end up with molten red rotors or ruin my new parts.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,414 POSTS

Hi,

If you are able to spin them by hand and they keep turning, they should be fine. It is normal to hear the pads slightly touching the rotor.

As far as the smoke, new rotors have shipping grease applied to them to prevent rust. If you didn't clean it all off with brake cleaner, they will smoke.

Here is what I want you to do. Drive a few short trips using the brakes as much as possible to see if the smoke continues. It should eventually stop.

Also, after driving, the brakes will be hot from use. That is normal. However, if you feel excessive heat radiating from a wheel from a couple of feet away, that would likely indicate one is stuck.

Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe