Greetings Everyone, I have an interesting issue. The passenger disc brake caliper is not fully releasing causing the brake pads to rub the rotor. This is very apparent when driving under 10mph. To confirm this I put my 09 Passion Coup up on the lift and the drivers front wheel made no noise and spun freely. The Passenger wheel did not spin freely and an audible brake pad rub was present for the full wheel rotation. The brake pads are worn less than 1.5mm from new and the brake fluid is clean and at the proper level. There is no visible damage to the brake line nor the caliper. I took the car into the Universal City dealership and the tech said this is normal and to live with it. I say B.S.!!!!!! (I have worked all sorts of cars and commercial vehicles not to mention the two 1950's Mercedes that I have restored). My car just rolled over 17,600 miles and I think that this should be covered under warranty. I am thinking of dropping by Smart Cerritos. Any thoughts?
The additional drag from disk brakes is one of the reasons you find drums on the rear of the smart: for efficiency. Some drag is expected with disk brakes because calipers cannot guarantee a full release. But then again they shouldn't drag *hard*. The question that needs to be answered: "how bad is it?"
The additional drag from disk brakes is one of the reasons you find drums on the rear of the smart: for efficiency. Some drag is expected with disk brakes because calipers cannot guarantee a full release. But then again they shouldn't drag *hard*. The question that needs to be answered: "how bad is it?"
Hi John, I know that there should be a little drag in the calipers but the drag is enough to pull the car to the right slightly when driven at slow speeds (under 20 mph) and when light braking is applied. There is no noticeable pull when harder braking is applied (and before anyone ask... the alignment has been checked and is well within tolerance). As for your question on how bad is it... if I wipe down the brake dust on both wheels and drive by 65 mile one way commute, the passenger wheel is covered in brake dust by the time I get to work while the drivers wheel has barely any brake dust on it. My commute is 98% freeway and not in traffic so braking is below minimal. I know that something just isn't right and I want to tackle the problem before it gets worse or my warranty runs out.
If the drag is noticeable when under ANY engine power it is probably too much. If you are feelng brave go for a quick ride with no heavy braking then pull over and touch both front wheels (carefully). If the suspected brake dragger is much warmer I'd suspect an issue worth pursuing further.
If the drag is noticeable when under ANY engine power it is probably too much. If you are feelng brave go for a quick ride with no heavy braking then pull over and touch both front wheels (carefully). If the suspected brake dragger is much warmer I'd suspect an issue worth pursuing further.
I'd suggest you call the Smart Center back up and speak with the service manager to explain to the person the severity of the problem as you just now described it explaining that you know a little drag is expected.
If the service manager isn't responsive, find your next closest Smart Center and give their service department a call.
If you still get no satisfaction, consider placing a call to SmartUSA.
I have worked all sorts of cars and commercial vehicles
Check it yourself.
Seeing as you're in SoCal, shouldn't be corrosion. Probably just sticking caliper sliders. Pop off the wheel and take a look. Silicone grease if needed. If something serious can describe defect to smart service.
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