Hi. I just replaced the pads (ceramic), new rotors and hoses on all 4 wheels of my 2002 Chevy Blazer 4wd/4dr (40k miles). I did bleed the brakes and the pedal is firm and the brakes are smooth and stop well.

After the road test the front brakes seem to be very hot....burn smell coming from wheel well and the aluminum wheel feels warm to touch. Is this normal after new pads & rotors? Any advice would be helpful..thanks

 

It can sometimes be normal for the brakes to have an odor on the initial break in. Without really knowing waht the actual temperature is and having something to compare it to...

 

Thanks for replying. I drove for 3-4 miles and braked from 35 -5mph several times while checking for brake effectiveness. Upon returning is when I noticed the heat and odor. I was thinking it may be oil (the stuff they were packaged in) within the new rotor vents that was burning off even though I did clean the surface well....I'll have to wait and see. The pads did seem to maintain contact with the rotor when I installed and they do have some friction on the rotor without any brake pressure applied.

 

could be that the caliper is not releasing like it's supposed to. are both front wheels hot?

 

Yes, both front wheels are the same temperature. Rears are fine. The calipers are original and all slides & pins are greased.

 

how much friction are we talking about without pressing the brake

 

UPDATE.... I just took it for a 25 mile road test and all seems to be ok now. No excessive heat and the braking seems to be very good now and a firm pedal. I think the initial heat was from the pads not being seated in completely and the burn smell must have been excess oils burning off the new rotors. Thank you for your replies. This is a great site and I will continue to read.