Can you break a brake?

[RyRy210]

I just installed some RM rotors & pads last night. I also went thru the tedious break in process of driving 35-40 mph and then braking (very hard stops) to a screeching halt 6-8 times, and then another 6-8 times braking from 55-60 mph. Every time I did that the ABS would engage. (I hate that noise!)At some points I would brake and hear a weird noise that sounded like a spring going up & down. Then it would stopp. Is any of this normal? I'm a bit worried since I braked extremely hard in order to break them in. Is it possible to break a brake? Please tell me it ain't so!

Ryan

[This message has been edited by RyRy210 (edited 31 January 2002).]

 

[Hrant]

Originally posted by RyRy210:
I

At some points I would brake and hear a weird noise that sounded like a spring going up & down.

Did you lube the surface of the pads with a special lube (Honda makes one), .......?

 

[Yellow Rose]

Won't lubing the brake's surface impede with the ability to slow down? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Actually, Hrant is correct. There is a recommended paste to be applied to the back side of the pads, then install the thin shims on top of the paste. The purpose is to dampen high frequency oscillations that cause squeal.

However, the springs are not related to the paste / shims. In my opinion, the pad springs are a little flimsy and can bend pretty easy. I have found that unless you "unbend" them before installing over the new pads, that they will be loose and rattle a bit. Other than the annoying noise of the pads rattling around while driving over bumps, there is no risk of damage. The noise will go away when the brake pedal is applied because the slack is temporarily taken away.



[This message has been edited by AndyVecsey (edited 31 January 2002).]

 

[nsxtasy]

I will interpret your description of "a weird noise that sounded like a spring going up & down" differently from the others. To me, it sounds like you're describing the sound of the ABS pump. You should hear this whenever you engage the ABS (and also when you first start the car) and it is perfectly normal.

There are other noises that are possible for brakes to make. If you don't use anti-squeal compound on the back of the brake pad, it can create a squealing noise, but that doesn't sound like a spring.

And if the pads are slightly loose in the caliper, it can create a slight clicking sound as they shift back and forth.

None of these noises is serious.

However, I'm still going with the ABS pump as the source of your noise. And again, it's perfectly normal.

 

[wildbill846]

I agree with nsxtasy. When I read the description the first thing that came to mind was the ABS. My car sometimes makes a funny clicking noise up front. I originally thought it was my radiator fan catching something, but later found it to be my ABS. It'll do this upon start up on cold days or immediately after a hard stop that activates the ABS. It usually clears itself after a few seconds, but if not I coax it out with another hard stop. I've had my system flushed, but I attribute it to an old worn ABS as the problem still pops up from time to time--but not so often or annoying to make me replace it yet.

Bill

[This message has been edited by wildbill846 (edited 31 January 2002).]