Bad brake job, have some Q's..

[greg334]

Well when I do any brake work, everything gets a good wash in brake cleaner. If there are new drums/rotors, they get cleaned also. The protective coating on the drum/rotor is there to prevent rust and that's it, but the practice to remove the coating is one step in ensuring that the right habits take place, not lazy habits.

It is like this Danny, last year my wifes van had a gas leak. I know it had a leak and where it was, so while I was on the road, I had her take it to a very reliable mechanic who came recommended by someone i trusted. They didn't find the leak, but it was kind of obvious with a four inch wet spot on the fuel tank. So the van went back into service until my wife had another "honey it's leaking" moment in which her sister insisted that it get repaired right, so after making a big deal out of it, I consented, seeing I was 1000 miles away I had no choice. No one called me to ask me where the leak was or why it was leaking, instead the mechanic assumed that he knew how to fix the problem and told my wife's sister that "the muffler heated up the fuel tank and caused the smell like it was leaking fuel" - this is from a 40 year on the job mechanic who owns a large shop. Never mind that the muffler is on one side of the van and the tank is on the other side with lot of stuff in the middle. So the muffler was replaced, but the leak wasn't fixed. When my wife got the van back with the explanation (and the $340 bill) I lost it and I came home to get the thing fixed right. 15 minutes of actual work, it was fixed. Oh and the muffler which there was nothing wrong with it was not just replace, he used the old clamps and even dented it up by beating it place.

[DannyD]

Hey Greg,

Ya bring up an point that reminds me of a computer friend I have. This guy is one of the top few programmers in the world. He explained why programmers for companies often stick around even if the programmer isn't really that good. The reason is as long as the programmer is better than his manager (who's often not a programmer) how's his manager going to know any different? The programmer can say/make up a challenge as to why there's a delay in a program coming out & the manager isn't going to know enough to really do a lot about it.

This is sort of the situation I'm in mechanically here. I "think" he was straight up w/ me. But how am I to know for sure since I don't have the knowledge he does? I could learn more about engines & such, but they really don't interest me enough that I'd be passionate about it. So on a time/efficiency basis for the few times I need something mechanical done, it would be a lot of effort into what might be saving me $200 or so.

I've been lucky w/ mechanics for the most part. For a long time a friend of my mom's did the work. He's now in his 80s & wanted to slow down some. So I then took it to this guy the last few years. I think this is the 2nd time in my life where I've really questioned a mechanic. Even then, he may not have even rooked me. I wouldn't know if he's got lazy habits or if this was maybe an off day for the guy. He's done a lot of work for me & this is the first time I've wondered if he did a good job.

What I remember was the first time I went in there I thought I needed a new alternator for my car. I took it in cuz he was the closest guy. What it was, was some cable came loose & he didn't even charge me. Also in there somewhere my check engine light came on & he told me it was cuz my gas cap wasn't screwed on tight enough. I never could figure that one out, but he reset the light & the car's been fine. So basically I do trust the guy.

Then again, ya never know how someone is gonna react when ya say I think ya need to do this one over. That's sort of a different ballgame there. That's where thanx to this board I at least was able to go in there & not be a total idiot. At the same time, I still don't know more than him or you guys about drums. Add to that I figure the mechanic for Load 1 can be sort of the final decider of if it was done right or not. Those were sort of the things going thru my mind as I weighed out what to do.

I def. appreciate your help. I also think it's pretty neat that you have a good understanding of engines & such. It seems as if ya enjoy it, so over the years I'm guessing you've had fun w/ em & also made or saved quite a lot of money in there.

[greg334]

Danny,
Thanks for all of that.

I have an odd question, I know you answered this but think about it, why don't you do the work yourself?

It's actually really easy to do, nothing to brakes if you have someone to show you.

[Jimboree]

Danny,
Thanks for all of that.

I have an odd question, I know you answered this but think about it, why don't you do the work yourself?

It's actually really easy to do, nothing to brakes if you have someone to show you.

I'd have to agree with you Greag on disc brakes, however drum brakes are a little trickier.

[FIS53]

If they are drum brakes then adjustment is required every 20,000 miles (read the owners manual) as the auto adjusters just do not work fully or properly. I know this as I had to have my gm adjusted several times over 5 years. For some reason the auto adjusters just don't work as well as they should even though they have been in vehicles for over 40 years! So if they rear drums are replaced or turned or the shoes replaced then they should be adjusted to proper level and you'll know the difference in braking.
For disc braks then no adjustment required as the auto adjust on the fly. Can't think of any coating on the parts that would make a burning smell but if the mechanic got the parts dirty as others have mentioned then possibly.
Rob

[Kurn]

If you got new drums they are generally coated with a cosmoline type substance,to prevent rust.This has to be washed off prior to installing them.If its left to "burn off",then your brake shoes could become contaminated,and/or your drums could overheat.Take it back and ***** until it's done properly.

[OntarioVanMan]

If they are drum brakes then adjustment is required every 20,000 miles (read the owners manual) as the auto adjusters just do not work fully or properly. I know this as I had to have my gm adjusted several times over 5 years. For some reason the auto adjusters just don't work as well as they should even though they have been in vehicles for over 40 years! So if they rear drums are replaced or turned or the shoes replaced then they should be adjusted to proper level and you'll know the difference in braking.
For disc braks then no adjustment required as the auto adjust on the fly. Can't think of any coating on the parts that would make a burning smell but if the mechanic got the parts dirty as others have mentioned then possibly.
Rob

most people don't go in reverse enough for the auto adjusters to do the job....so a couple turns with the spoon would tighten them up a bit...

In the cab biz we actually took them off because of all the reversing we did and the brakes would be too tight....

[guido4475]

I prefer to replace drums and/or rotors as opposed to turning them.Easier to warp the thinner they get as a result of turning.And buy parts from a reputable supplier, like Napa !! Stay away from that Duracrap!!