Hot Brakes Hot Weather?

[thkbaron]

A moderator can just move this to the Heavy Duty forum if they want...... up to you. I've got a 2018 power wagon. I just ran to a fire call quick. I'd say 2.5 mile one way maybe a bit less. Sat there for about 5 to 10 minutes and went back home. I'd say I had to apply the brakes 11 to 12 times each way. Stop signs corners etc. The first trip I'm sure I was hitting them harder etc on the way to the fire. Anyways it was around 90 to 95 here today.

Prior to going I was in the middle of washing my truck. Had the wheels and tailgate left. I got back and started washing. Hit the wheels and brake area and it steamed. They were pretty damn hot. I don't think I've ever had a situation where I immediately washed my truck after fire call in 95 degree weather. Anyways I jacked the front up and there's some drag but not a ton. I can probably get a revolution no problem. Anyways I was just curious how hot these things can get and would that have been fairly normal considering the conditions outside? I'm sure taking the brakes apart and lubricating all the pins etc wouldn't be an awful idea considering the ****** mn weather I drive in anyways..

 

[thkbaron]

Self update. Took the truck for a 4 mile drive. I used the brakes half the amount or maybe even close to a 1/3. The wheels were a bit warm but nothing I'd be concerned about. Must have been the excess heat at that time and hard braking.

 

[SeppW]

Generally, the wheel should be warm to touch after normal driving/braking. If too hot to touch, then heavy braking, caliber is seized/ing, brake line clogged causing caliper to remain applied, or bearing is shot.

I stepped up to DOT 4 from the OE spec DOT 3. Higher boiling point and less hydroscopic.

 

[chri5k]

Might want to consider not washing the truck shortly after driving. Spraying cool / cold water on hot brake rotors can warp them.

 

[thkbaron]

yeah i didn't think they would be so hot

 

[turkeybird56]

I drove a 2014 F150 for my last employment. We would run them so hard, the round "Ford" plastic hub caps would heat up and melt. They finally allowed us to get HD Rotors and Pads, after they about burned the front end off of a few trucks. Gotta luv low bid stuff, LOL.