Potential Disk Brake Issue?

[hoosierguy]

In preparation for an upcoming trip, I jacked up our 36RL to lubricate all of the suspension system. I have the Kodiak Disk Brake option. I was rotating each of the wheels and noticed that the brake pads are rubbing on the rotor disk on all 4 wheels. This is with the truck not connected to umbilical cable. My question for those folks who have the disk brake option or are familiar with disk brake operation, is it normal for the pads to be rubbing on the rotor disk? I am just trying to make sure that I don't have and issue. Thanks is advance for your insight and comments.

[atom ant]

That should be normal if it is a "relaxed" rub. If it is binding then you may have a stuck caliper.

The calipers don't really have a way to back off like a drum brake wheel cylinder with springs, unless you are rolling down the road and the slight variation in the disk or even slightly loose bearings will push them apart, but once you hit the brakes again they snug back up to the rotor.

[travelin' texans]

If I understand exactly what you mean, yes the pads should be lightly touching the rotor, when applying brakes they squeeze tightly. Also if your bearings are adjusted properly they will have a slight drag when spinning wheels. Hope that's clear as mud!

[lwg]

That's correct, this sounds normal. Sometimes it can still be difficult to turn with just your hands and tires removed. With the tires installed you'd have a little more leverage and you should be able to spin them.

[hoosierguy]

atom ant, Danny, Iwg,

I suspicion that since all four wheels acted the same way, that they were likely okay, but, I thought I would ask about it anyway. I just wasn't sure whether or not the brake pads were supposed to pull back away from the disk. In the Indiana rain and humidity, the rotor disks are getting a little rust started on them, so with the pads dragging slightly, the wheels require some effort to turn them. By the time I go a couple of miles the disk should be nice and clean again.

Thanks again for your insight.

Guy

[atom ant]

Ya we get that rust accelerated here from the mag chloride they throw on the roads for snow, and the brakes sound terrible for a few miles when you leave after parking the car in the garage a few days.