couple of things


How HOT do your wheels get under normal driving? I have noticed my front wheels generate a LOT of heat. Driving to work (30 miles) FRWY and stop and go - you can feel the heat radiate off of them. A LOT hotter than the rear wheels.

what is the best way to make sure my brakes are working properly and adjusted properly -- take it to a shop or trust the Dealer guys?

That's normal. Brakes work by friction, and friction generates heat so brakes, if used frequently, as in your stop and go driving will generate heat. I've seen the brake rotor's on track-cars actually glow red from brake-heat being generated during long races.

Just make sure you aren't "riding" the brakes (your foot is not touching the pedal) when you are driving normally.

If your brakes are stopping your E quickly, aren't pulling the E to one side or the other, and aren't making noise, they shouldn't need service.

Where do brake questions go? Flying out the door at 70 mph cuz they can't stop! :lol: :lol: Oh I kill myself sometimes....:twisted:

Don't forget also that the front brakes do the lion's share of the braking due to inertial shifting. That''ll be a big reason why your fronts are hotter than the rears.

yeah - they are just REALLY hot - just wondering if that was what everyone else had.


not sure if maybe they need a little adjusting or the ABS looked at.....

yeah - they are just REALLY hot - just wondering if that was what everyone else had.


not sure if maybe they need a little adjusting or the ABS looked at.....

ABS isn't a factor unless every time you stop you're hitting the brakes so hard you lock them up and force ABS to engage.

My 2003 Element needed the RR caliper, pads and scored disc replaced June 2007 at 56,000 miles. Now, November, 2008, at 71,400 miles it is again emitting a scraping noise, and the disc feels like it's scored... only 15,600 miles from the first replacement.

Is it unusually soon to experience another failure similar to the first? Is there any recognized design problem with the rear brakes? My usage is benign; i.e., no off road; no trailer hauling; and less than average mileage (71,400 in 5 years.)

Grateful for any insights,
Peter

Is it unusually soon to experience another failure similar to the first? Is there any recognized design problem with the rear brakes?

Peter,

This is a common issue. You problem is prolly caused by a sticking caliper. Maybe internally (when were brakes bleed/serviced) or maybe externally (calipers require lubrication).

Do a search with keywords like "sticking brakes calipers maintenace" and you'll see plenty more info on the subject.

IMHO, assuming normal use, it sould not have happened again if 15k miles if it was properly serviced the first time.

Will