Brakes Sticking After Pad Change - What Gives?

Maintenance and Repairs
1

Hey Chevy enthusiasts,

I recently changed the brake pads on my Silverado, and now I’m experiencing some seriously annoying issues with the brakes sticking. It’s causing some unwanted dragging which I can definitely feel while driving. I’ve checked a few things, but I’m hoping to get some insight from anyone who might have dealt with this before.

Here are some specifics of what I did:

  • Replaced the front brake pads with a well-reviewed aftermarket brand.
  • Inspected the rotors, which seemed fine, so I didn’t replace them.
  • Followed all instructions to lubricate the caliper pins, but I’m not sure if I did it correctly.

Things I’ve Tried:

  • Double-checked that I reinstalled everything tightly and correctly.
  • Made sure to use brake grease on the contact points.
  • Tried driving at different speeds to see if anything changes, but they still feel like they’re binding.

Questions:

  1. Could it be a caliper issue? I’ve heard that sometimes they can get stuck if they’re not working right.
  2. Should I have replaced the rotors too? Would that make a difference?
  3. Any tips on making sure my caliper pins are properly lubricated?

I’d appreciate any advice or personal experiences you all might have! Thanks in advance for your help!

Happy driving,
vcruz

2 Likes
2

I recently had the same issue after doing my brake pads. It turned out I didn’t lubricate the caliper pins properly. That can definitely cause sticking!

5 Likes
3

Don’t forget about hardware incompatibility! Using the wrong pads or rotors can lead to sticking issues. Always double-check compatibility before installation.

4

That’s a great point! A lot of people overlook the importance of lubrication. Moisture can also play a big role in this, especially if your brakes are exposed to rain or humidity.

5 Likes
5

True, and sometimes, even the brand of pads can matter. Cheaper pads might not fit as well or wear differently.

6

I’ve heard that moisture can cause brake pads to swell, which might lead to sticking. Make sure to keep everything dry during installation! That’s something I learned the hard way.

7

Excellent advice! Also, did anyone consider inspection of the brake calipers? Sometimes they might seize up after a pad change.

8

I really wonder how common caliper issues are. It’s intriguing how a simple pad change can lead to so many complications! Anyone ever had to replace calipers after a pad change?

3 Likes
9

Absolutely! I swapped pads, and within a week, my caliper seized. It was a real headache to fix.

10

So much for my DIY skills! Who knew changing pads could lead to major issues? I guess I need to do more research before my next maintenance day.

11

You’re not alone, Frank! We’ve all been there. Just take your time and remember the small details can make a big difference.

12

Are you all sure that the brake fluid level is not too high? That could cause pressure issues! Just a thought.

13

Good catch! I hadn’t thought of that. It’s amazing how many factors are at play with brakes. It’s like a puzzle sometimes!

4 Likes
14

I think mixing pad materials can also be an issue. If you had semi-metallic before and switched to organic, it might not perform well together. Just a little food for thought!

15

You might be onto something! Brake feel can change significantly with different materials, leading to potential sticking.

16

I’ve had a similar issue after changing brake pads. If you hear grinding noises or a squeal, that’s a sign the pads aren’t seated properly. It’s crucial to check the calipers too.

5 Likes
17

Absolutely! I’ve also noticed my car pulling to one side when braking. It could be a stuck caliper. Has anyone else experienced this?

18

Yes, pulling to one side is a classic symptom. You might want to check if the caliper is free-moving. A simple test is to see if the wheel spins freely when lifted.

19

Thanks for the tips! I’ve also felt excessive heat from the wheels after driving. Is that normal or another warning sign?

3 Likes
20

Good question, heat generation isn’t normal! This could indicate binding brakes. I’d recommend checking the brake fluid and caliper slide pins.