PLS HELP!?! Rear left brake locking up after wheel stud replacement.
 

Had a stripped wheel stud and followed youtube videos on how to fix it. Remove wheels, remove caliper and place carefully and securely on cv axle, remove brake rotor etc; but after putting everything back together and taking it for a test drive i noticed a burning brake smell almost like the burning clutch smell and when i stepped out that same wheel area is lightly smoking. Went back home and didn’t go too far maybe 2 miles in total. The emergency brake doesn’t feel as tight as well but i heard that can be fixed reversing and over time. But is it too late to fix it myself or would i have to take it to a shop? I haven’t replaced the brake pads, rotors, etc since i’ve got the car but after seeing yesterday they all seem to be in well condition. There’s no brake fluid leaking so i don’t know what went wrong.

Did you properly set the parking brake adjustment screw?


If it's set too tight on either wheel, the parking drum brake will be constantly applied and drag

recently jus got it fixed by a referred mechanic, i think what he was trying to explain is what ur telling me now. If i had a visual i’d better understand but should i be worried about premature wear on that screw even with the little travel i did when too tight

Yes, you should be worried.



If the brake is dragging enough to be smoking, it will generate a lot of heat which can warp components and wear down the parking brake pad.


Adjust the parking brake and spin the wheel by hand. It should move easily with little resistance. If the adjustment lever is set properly, your emergency brake lever should feel properly tight as well

I think you missed the opening statement there End!

No you do not need to worry about anything. That short a trip would do little if any damage. The mechanic would have inspected it and told you if there were any issues.

Thanks for the illustration now it makes sense, i honestly did mess with that little gear/disc thing since i was having problems putting the rotor back onto the drum brake not realizing i kept the parking brake on :bonk: but you live and u learn. will keep this in mind when i’m replacing the rest of the studs on the car

Now at peace of mind..thanks T!

Yes to clarify, if you drove the car with a smoking brake for an extended amount of time (hours, days), it will be bad.


A short trip around the block you should be fine.