Question about front bearings and braking

[JonB]

Hi

Just double checking here - couldn't find anything via search. I'm assembling the front brakes on my S4 and the disk is binding hard against the inside body of the caliper on both sides. The disks look to be at least a millimetre off centre towards the inboard of the car. So, question is this: could the wheel bearings have worn enough to have caused this? They've done 64000 miles and are moving smoothly without any rumbles or binding.

Thanks
JonB

[oldelanman]

The caliper mounting brackets are handed, can't recall if it's possible to fit them on the wrong sides but, if it is, maybe that's your problem?

[JonB]

I’d better check… tomorrow. Is it possible to fit them wrong way round?

[tonyabacus]

Jon
Have the disks been replaced?
I seem to recall that the discs on the S1/2 may have been different being changed on the S3/4, also the early calipers were again from memory changed to the later Type 14.

Its easy enough to pull the calipers and sheck that both sides are affected similarly and then to change the caliper mounting bracket to see if that resolves the issue.

Also read this previous post in the braking section Girling caliper measurement needed 16pb vs 14
Tony

[JonB]

I have tried with the original disks, they still bind.

These callipers have the brake lines connected at the side using banjo connectors. Is that early or late callipers?

[ncm]

Have you assembled the upright with the dirt shield between the upright and the caliper mounting bracket? This would move the caliper out by the thickness of the dirt shield (1.5mm??)
correct assembly sequence is upright/caliper bracket/dirt shield.
see here :-
https://lotuselan.net/wiki/CA_-_Front_Suspension

Brian.

[512BB]

'Is that early or late callipers?'

FWIW those are early calipers Jon, but has no baring on your problem.

Leslie

[alan.barker]

Should there be Spacer between Caliper and Caliper Bracket
Alan

[vstibbard]

Few items to check
1. Have you fitted o rings that are larger than standard between the upright and calipers mounts? Check mount is flush with upright.
2. Did you replace stub axles they may have incorrect taper machining.
3. Check out races of bearing are fully seated. There should be no gap.
If all above check out use hardened steel spacers between calipers and mounting plate.
V

[JonB]

Have you assembled the upright with the dirt shield between the upright and the caliper mounting bracket? This would move the caliper out by the thickness of the dirt shield (1.5mm??)
correct assembly sequence is upright/caliper bracket/dirt shield.
see here :-
https://lotuselan.net/wiki/CA_-_Front_Suspension

Brian.

Well spotted Brian and thank you! They are indeed the wrong way round, tut tut tut. And I'd referred to the diagram extensively when assembling. I recall the same thing happening when I did the Plus 2 but in that instance I'd fitted the dust shields with the "bowl" inner facing the wrong way.

It's all together now and the brake lines & pads are in. Just the rear pads to do and I'll be fitting the wheels, at which point I can declare the "rolling chassis stage" reached!