
Originally Posted by
dr. d
it's normal.
auto books describe the heat of disk brakes as "comfortably hot".
but i agree, "comfortable" is a big range among humans.
it is because the disk brake pads are always lightly touching the brake rotor, generating heat whenever the wheel rotates, even as the brake pedal isn't being stepped on.
rear drum brake pads don't touch the drum, except when the brake pedal is stepped on. drum brakes don't normally get as hot as the disks.
to be sure, jack up the front of the car, so's the tires do not touch the ground. then rotate the wheels using your bare hand. they should rotate easily, if the brakes aren't "dragging" significantly..