Chrysler 2005 Crossfire SRT6 Service Manual page 173

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A severe drag can char the brake pads all the way through. It can also distort and score the rotors to the point of
replacement. The wheels, tires and brake components will be extremely hot. In severe cases, the brake pads may
generate smoke as it chars from over-heating.
Common causes of brake drag are:
• Parking Brake partially applied
• Loose/warn wheel bearings
• Seized caliper
• Caliper binding
• Loose caliper mounting
• Mis-assembled components
• Damaged brake lines
If the brake drag occurs at the front, rear, or at all wheels, the problem may be related to a blocked master cylinder
return port, faulty power booster (binds does not release) or the ABS system.
BRAKE FADE
Brake fade is usually a product of overheating caused by brake drag. However, brake overheating and resulting
fade can also be caused by riding the brake pedal, making repeated high deceleration stops in a short time span,
or constant braking on steep mountain roads. Refer to the Brake Drag information in this section for causes.
BRAKE PULL
A front brake pull condition could result from:
• Contaminated brake pad on one caliper
• Seized caliper piston
• Binding caliper
• Loose caliper
• Rusty caliper slide surfaces
• Improper brake pads
• Damaged rotor
• Wheel alignment
• Tire pressure
A worn, or damaged wheel bearing, or worn suspension components are other causes of a pull. A damaged front
tire (bruised, ply separation) can also cause a pull.
A common and frequently misdiagnosed pull condition is where direction of pull changes after a few stops. The
cause is a combination of brake drag followed by fade at one of the brake units.
As the dragging brake overheats, efficiency is so reduced that fade occurs. Since the opposite brake units are still
functioning normally, its braking effect is magnified. This causes the pull to switch direction in favor of the normally
functioning brake unit.
An additional point when diagnosing a change in pull condition concerns brake cool down. Remember that the pull
will return to the original direction, if the dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down (and is not seriously damaged).
REAR BRAKE DRAG OR PULL
Rear drag or pull may be caused by an improperly adjusted park brake shoe or a seized parking brake shoe or a
seized parking brake cable, contaminated lining, bent or binding shoes or improperly assembled components. This
is particularly true when only one wheel is involved. However, when both rear wheels are effected, the master cyl-
inder or ABS system could be at fault.
BRAKES DO NOT HOLD AFTER DRIVING THROUGH DEEP WATER PUDDLES
This condition is generally caused by water soaked brake pads. If the brake pads are only wet, they can be dried
by driving with the brakes lightly applied for a mile or two. However, if the lining is both soaked and dirt contami-
nated, cleaning and or replacement of the pad will be necessary.
BRAKES - BASE 5 - 7