Brake caliper frozen, overheated new rotors and pads... Replace? Still safe?

Question

I recently replaced the front brakes on my Altima and took it for a drive that was about 5 miles to "break-in" the new pads performing multiple easy stops at low speeds. To my surprise when I got back and looked at my passenger side rotor it was discolored from heat but no smoke and I was able to touch the alloy wheel for a bit right after the ride before it became too hot to the touch. Question is now that the caliper is fixed, do you think this rotor is now unsafe due to the heat build-up or even the tire for that matter? The tire felt warmer than the drivers side tire but not hot. I am concerned about where the tire meets the wheel. I realize the pads may be glazed but I had read somewhere some light sanding should take care of that. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I don't think that you did any damage to the rotors but it would be a good idea to have them checked. If they are then have them turned. As to the caliper freeze you might have them rebuilt but I  would save you some time and hassle and just have it replaced. That way you don't have a possible repeat of this problem. Can be very costly in the long run if you don't. The pads are new but will need to be lightly sanded to make them viable again. As to the tire heat up, don't worry.They are not in any danger and if you think about it they get a lot of heat applied to them on a daily basis do to friction with the road. Five minutes of high heat is not going to be detrimental to them.

Answer 2

I think you need to have your rotors turned. At the time they can be checked to make sure they are still safe. It actually makes the rotors last longer to have them turned when doing brakes.

If you can find a reputable repair shop you might be better off having them do the work. Ask around and find an independent shop with a good reputation. It was our habit to keep our regular customers aware of anything that might need to be done later so they could make plans for it.

Usually the better shops are recommended by people you know and may never do any advertising, so ask around.

Answer 3

For the rotor, it should still be safe as long as it isn't warped from the heat.  When you brake, vibration in the car or in the steering wheel may mean that it is warped.  To the best of my knowledge, the tire should be fine.  Tires can withstand a very high temperature and I think are a sufficient distance away from the calipers and rotors for the heat not to matter.

Edit: Vibration in the steering wheel or car could also be caused many other things other than a warped rotor, so only use this check if you had no vibration before the 5 mile incident.

Answer 4

I had a similar problem with a Toyota.  The master cylinder was bad,  When you press the brake pedal it would apply the brakes but when you took your foot off it would not release all of the pressur causing the front brakes to overheat.  It cost me new calipers, rotors and pads as well as the master cylinder.  It works fine after the Master cylinder was replaced.  The tire should be fine but also check the rubber hose to the caliper.  It can burn too.

Answer 5

I would sand the pads and rotor and not worry about the rest. Your 5 mile trip didn't do any harm to the tire wheel or any other parts.

Answer 6

as long as the roter didnt get hot enought to warp, it should be fine, if took a lot of heat may want to repack wheel bearing to be sure heat didnt weaken its greasing abilitys

Answer 7

You should be fine since you took you time driving.......