This really sucks

T

tommiswizzle

Registered
Oh my god I'm so pissed!!!! I was actually going to post this problem on the boards earlier today, but didn't want to add to my whiny female image, so I didn't post.

I got new brakes just over a month ago, cost over $400. Yesterday I noticed a "rubbing" sound in the back passenger tire area. I noticed it mostly at slower speeds, and the noise would stop when the car stopped. Today I called the shop that did the brakes, and they said they had an opening tomorrow at 2pm. Ugh. So after work I drove the 12 miles back to my town, stopped at the Boys and Girls Club to pick up my kids, and decided to take a look at the back wheel. Guess what I see?? FLAMES!! Well luckily I had a half a cup of coffee in the car I didn't finish, and threw it on the flames, which put it out. It's obviously the brake that was on fire, so my first instinct that the brakes were the problem was correct. I'm just so ticked off now! I will probably be late to work tomorrow, have to arrange towing, hopefully I can get it towed the 12 miles to the shop that did the brakes.
 
I wonder if you have a sticky caliper... you didn't notice any smoke? Excessive noise or a slower than usual car?

It really shouldn't have come to a fire... unless you have leaking brake fluid that caught fire.
 
Or they didnt remove some sticker on it or possible..far stretch here..the pad material burned if the caliper was not releasing correctly
 
Leo was right... it was the parking brake. I've never even used the parking brake on that car, heck I didn't even know where it was! What I do appreciate though, is the shop is taking care of me. They aren't charging labor, and splitting the cost of the parts and tow bill with me.
 
tommiswizzle said:
...I've never even used the parking brake on that car, heck I didn't even know where it was!...
Click to expand...

THAT is a big mistake. I never understood people who never use the parking brake, you are only asking for trouble. First of all the parking gear in the transmission is barely strong enough to hold the car in place on a flat surface, there are numerous accounts of cars careening down hills while in PARK. Keep in mind, the PARK gear means the transmission is parked, NOT the car. So, using the parking brake could save someone's life one day, not to speak of preventing damage to your car. It also is important to use it in order to keep it in working condition in case you need it in an emergency situation.
 
yea that park "pin" is about the size of a number 2 pencil...

would I trust a number 2 pencil to hold my 4000LB car in place?

nope
 
Wow, glad you got the fire out! Complaining about your cars brakes catching fire isn't whining, so don't let that keep you from sharing your stories or asking for help! That is very nice of the shop to help you out.....you don't hear that too much anymore! Glad everyone is ok too!
 
My expeirience has been that a stuck caliper on a MK 8 results in a not good sound from offending wheel.I agree,excercise parking brake often or prepare to pay repair bill.
 
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