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[cheapshots]

Hi folks. Interesting one - was coming to the end of my 30 mile motorway trip and I noticed a strong smell of burning - like burning plastic / something electrical. Minutes later the ABS sensor light came on.

Pulled over, drivers side rear wheel was smoking, wheel hub partly melted, hand brake felt very loose although still working.

Called AA - really nice chap, check the ball beering, brake callipers - all fine. The ABS sensor was cooled though.

Drive back home and the same wheel became hot (but nowhere near as hot as before).

AA man thinks I may have had the hand brake up as I was driving. I’m 99.9% sure I didn’t.

I’m going to my local garage tomorrow to get it check out. Curious what it could be. I did replace that very same ball bearing in March 2019.....

Hmmmmm

[Scoobysook]

I had this one my car , the cause for me was a failed caliper. I would get them to check that properly.

[cheapshots]

Ahhhh thank you will do. The AA man did check the calliper but it’s best to get the car up the ramp I guess.

[CrazyG]

My 'ex-s' 454 has had to have both rear calipers changed as sometimes
the handbrake worked, other times not...and she also said the car felt
as if handbrake was on even when it wasn't.

It turns out that the handbrake side of the calipers were sticking every
now and then....BUT...it also transpired that the rear flexible brake
pipe hoses were braking down internally and collapsing, which was
also stopping the pressure being released from the caliper pistons !

Believe it or not, this is not an unknown or uncommon fault for most cars
that reach a certain age or point in their 'life'

Rob at S2 told me he has seen quite a few 454's with this particular
problem, and has replaced both rear hoses on about a dozen 454's
so far. So....if the handbrake mechanism appears to be ok and free
then it's 99% more or less a problem with the rear flexible brake hoses.

NOTE:- this doesn't appear to be a problem for the later/final batch
            of 454's that had drum brakes rather than disc brake rears..
            such as the 'Coolstyle' model.  The Brabus was NEVER ever
            released from the factory with drums...just in case anyone
            wondered.

[cheapshots]

Thanks crazy g. I was planning on changing both brake hoses at the next service (due in 3 months) but I think I’ll do it now.

[Ocracoke]

Yup, I've had failed callipers on the rear wheels before and collapsed hoses as well. Pulled over to see the car smoking out of the back wheels (was doing 50mph on the East Lancs at the time). Definitely get them checked out.

[cheapshots]

Hi people - little update; took her to the garage today:

1) Collapsed brake hose diagnosed
2) Unfortunately the ABS sensor in the rear wheel bearing has been damaged so now I must replace the bearing (which is only 6-months old)

I guess it could be worse!

I'm thankful for your help.

[mr singh]

if its got that hot that its damaged the ABS sensor, then the damage could also be in the hub and rear brakes.

id highly recommend replacing the rear brake disc and pads, along with the affected hub and other parts that need changing.

[cheapshots]

I’m going to change the hub.

The guys thoroughly checked the brake disc and pads and gave me the all clear (I had changed them about 5 months ago so still fairly good condition).

 

[lil.smartie]

All the ones we have seen have been drivers side, interested to hear if Rob's experience is the same?

[Alex]

 I also have issues with the drivers side but on a LHD forfour.

[mr singh]

The guys thoroughly checked the brake disc and pads and gave me the all clear (I had changed them about 5 months ago so still fairly good condition).

but if you say the 'wheel melted' then there was some serious head generated. id still be replacing the rear brakes.