Driving home tonight the car got progressively slower, no problems like this before. When I really started noticing a drag I stopped at a light and smelt burnt brakes. Looked at the back and saw smoke out both rear wheel wells. While waiting for the tow truck I tried turning the car off and on, engaging and releasing the parking brake, no luck. I decided to try one last time after about 30 mins and the car ran and drove normally for a couple miles and then the same thing, slower and slower until basically you have to nail the gas to budge the car. I parked it and got a ride home. I plan on getting it home tomorrow , pull the rear wheels and take a look. If it's mechanical I can probably fix it. Just need help identifying the issue. Appreciate any guesses or similar experiences.
Bad calipers can cause that problem failing to release, they end up dragging and getting hot causing them to tighten more and more until you can't go anymore. Sometimes they'll loosen up after cooling down, allowing you to travel a little further just like you experienced. The only strange thing is usually only one caliper goes bad at a time, causing just one wheel to drag, where you say two wheels were smoking I wonder if it's something else like the parking brake not releasing.
as I stated on E55 forum my guess is the shoe for the parking brake. If you adjust your parking brake lately that probably causing the problem too tight and it's not realesing the wheels and I agree that when it cools downs it loosen up. not sure about the caliper gone bad but it might.
no, haven't touched anything, just driving home minding my own business
after cooling down it will drive normally a couple miles, then it locks again , hopefully its basic brake stuff and not part of the traction control , at least the car is in my driveway now and not parked in the ghetto where i broke down
If its the E brake the rear rotors WILL be discolored at the Hub section of the rear rotors..It WILL be Blue from the heat...If thats the problem You WILL need rear rotors and E brake shoes..Seen several do this...
If a rear caliper you should see different rear pad wear on the same caliper..and a glazed pad or pads..
IF you are NOT a Mechanic You Should have a Shop inspect the brakes to figure out what the problem is asap
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