Caliper rubbing rim

[Echospeed]

Hi guys, I have a 2002 Echo coupe that has been giving me a few problems lately. I recently had to replace pads and rotors on the front not long after I got the car. Ever since I've replaced the rotors, the driver's side caliper has been rubbing the rim. I've re-seated the calipers a few times, rotated the tires, and tightened the front suspension entirely. It's sitting on the stock steel rims. Any idea what could be causing the problem? Car has 338k miles clocked on it if that helps.

[Echospeed]

I've also discovered a slight steering shake above 45 mph.

[CTScott]

It almost sounds like you installed the caliper frame incorrectly when you put it back on after replacing the rotor. Can you snap some pictures with the wheel off?

[WeeYari]

Pads too thick maybe... Probably not, but you never know unless you ask.

Or maybe you don't have the outboard pad seated properly within the caliper body.

[Echospeed]

As far as I know there's only one way to put the caliper frame, or am I missing something? The steering wheel has shook above 45 since I've gotten it. I just recently discovered loose bolts on the cross member and stabilizer bars. As far as the pad alignment, should there be a certain amount of space between the rotor and pads when they're seated?

[Echospeed]

As far as I know there's only one way to put the caliper frame, or am I missing something? The steering wheel has shook above 45 since I've gotten it. I just recently discovered loose bolts on the cross member and stabilizer bars. As far as the pad alignment, is there supposed to be a certain amount of space between the rotor and pads when they're seated?

[Echospeed]

I love how phones like to double post. I'm in the process of getting pics of the brake assembly now.

[Echospeed]

http://oi57.tinypic.com/33578fn.jpghttp://oi57.tinypic.com/k0g5qo.jpg

[CTScott]

They look OK. What part of the caliper is making contact with the rim?

[Echospeed]

The outer edge at the bottom.

[Echospeed]

I also noticed that my rear Springs are leaning forward. Almost like they're either bent out of their original straight shape, or they've become loose and have shifted some. The car has some floaty steering characteristics at speed, and going over slight bumps causes the car to "juke" from side to side. I'm new to these cars so I'm not exactly sure what to look for.

[CTScott]

The outer edge at the bottom.

I would loosen the frame bolts and see if there is any play that will let you pull that end in. You just changed the rotors, not the calipers as well?

[Echospeed]

Yeah just the rotors. The car had warped them pretty bad. Not just regular wear and tear either. Like chewing through lug nuts bad.

[Bluevitz-rs]

338K miles. I'm guessing the struts and shocks are toast.

You can check the rears VERY easily. Just take the nut off the lower mount and see if there's any life left in them. Push them up and down and see if there's resistance in BOTH directions.

And are you sure the rim isn't bent? Because that would also cause a bad vibration at 45+

[Echospeed]

Any suggestions on strut brands that work well with this body style? I kind of want to keep the stock height just in case I am able to swap a 1zzfe into it. The engine already sits dangerously low in my opinion.

[Echospeed]

Also, is there an oil consumption thread for the 1nzfe anywhere?

[CTScott]

The bent rim idea is a good one for the rubbing piece. Swap the front and rear tires on that side and see if the rubbing goes and the vibration moves.

For oil consumption, I don't remember any threads on that, as 1NZs are not known for doing so, unless the valve seats are bad.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Any suggestions on strut brands that work well with this body style? I kind of want to keep the stock height just in case I am able to swap a 1zzfe into it. The engine already sits dangerously low in my opinion.


Any automotive place should have replacements for you. KYB GR2 if they have them are a slightly uprated damper.


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[WeeYari]

The bent rim idea is a good one for the rubbing piece. Swap the front and rear tires on that side and see if the rubbing goes and the vibration moves.

He does state in the first post that tire rotation has been tried.

OP, edit one of your photos to draw a circle around the exact spot where contact is being made between caliper and rim.

[Echospeed]

Turns out it was a badly bent rim causing the trouble. It got rotated to the rear for now. That being said, is a replacement steelie worth it or should I just go on and get new wheels? If so, what would be a safe dimension to move up to for a slightly larger wheel size?

[Bluevitz-rs]

Try your local salvage yard. There's usually cheep used ones available.


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