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Toyota Corolla Repair Question


Topics covered: Brakes, Brake fluid, Mechanic.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on May 9, 2007

Brake fire....

I own a 1997 Toyota Corolla, 130000 miles. I had brake trouble, and the master cylinder was replaced in February 2007. The brakes were never right, and I took it back several times. The last time, the mechanic said he had no idea why the brakes weren't working properly. I would either have NO brakes (and use the emergency brake to stop), or have to accelerate to get down a hill (like they were stuck). Yesterday, my brakes caught on fire. Melted everything (even the hub caps!!). I had it towed to a different mechanic, and he said that he is very puzzled by all of this. He also said that he found some info saying that this has been a problem with my type of car...Any advice? Anyone ever hear of this happening???
Avatar Asked by millerlyte2

Answer

Replied on May 9, 2007

I have never run into this but certainly has my curiousity. Do you have anti-lock brakes as well?

How often has the brake fluid been flushed?

Was it the front brakes or rear brakes that caught fire?

Rear disc or drum brakes?

Tiny Answered by Service Writer (expert)
9,955 answers provided
Replied on May 9, 2007

Tiny Response from millerlyte2
1 question asked
Replied on May 9, 2007

Fire....as in you SAW flames? both sides?

sorry for questions, just tryng to clarify.

Tiny Answered by Service Writer (expert)
9,955 answers provided

Replied on May 9, 2007

Tiny Response from millerlyte2
1 question asked
Replied on May 10, 2007

Sounds like there was a hydrolic lock up casuing the calipers to stay in the on position. Before I would be suspicious of the master cylinder, I would be curious to know what brake problems led up to the Master being replaced. Perhaps it was mis-d iagnosed or bad master that was installed.

I would recommend checking the pushrod lenth at the master cylinder and shortening it if necessary and also check to make sure the slides are free and lubricated on the caliper, especially the top one.

Tiny Answered by Service Writer (expert)
9,955 answers provided
Replied on May 11, 2007

Soooo.....What happened?

Tiny Answered by Service Writer (expert)
9,955 answers provided

Replied on May 16, 2007

From the sound of it I would say have your brake booster checked. Did the brake become very stiff before you had to accelerate down hill and such? Chance are if that was the case, your brakes didd not catch fire but built too much pressure that the booster could not release, resulting in your calipers locking. The brakes get stuck, it causes a lot of heat, and it starts smoking very violently if you drive on it.

Check the break booster.

Tiny Answered by KaMo
0 questions asked