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Why would a caliper rub a wheel?

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Old 01-08-2011, 05:50 PM
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Why would a caliper rub a wheel?

Assuming a stock 17" wheel and a brake system in good working order, why would a caliper rub the inside of a rim all the way around?

I found rub marks on the inside of the stock wheels (removed for H2s). Each wheel indicated contact with the caliper. Two rims were light brushing, one a little heaver, the fourth looked like solid contact all the way around. I crawled under the truck and grabbed the calipers to see if there is any movement. But there is none, they feel snug. Looking at all four calipers now and the current rims, there is plenty of clearance and there are no new rub marks.

Could there have been an issue in the past? What could it have been?
Old 01-08-2011, 07:32 PM
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If the truck was used off road a lot, it may have picked up rocks and other FOD that got wedged in there.

Or possibly the wheels were used on another vehicle that had clearance issues.

As long as you don't have contact now, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Old 01-08-2011, 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Shorts
Assuming a stock 17" wheel and a brake system in good working order, why would a caliper rub the inside of a rim all the way around?

I found rub marks on the inside of the stock wheels (removed for H2s). Each wheel indicated contact with the caliper. Two rims were light brushing, one a little heaver, the fourth looked like solid contact all the way around. I crawled under the truck and grabbed the calipers to see if there is any movement. But there is none, they feel snug. Looking at all four calipers now and the current rims, there is plenty of clearance and there are no new rub marks.

Could there have been an issue in the past? What could it have been?
Could have had sloppy/failing unitized hub bearings at one time... Then at some point, the wheels got rotated to the rear... that would explain how all four wheels show signs of damage.
Or, like others have said, could have possibly gotten rocks between the wheel/caliper.
Old 01-08-2011, 11:42 PM
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Hmm, 'k thanks. And I'm glad to hear if there's no contact then then it's ok.
Old 01-11-2011, 07:29 AM
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You could make paint marks in the rub areas to see if they get rubbed off. This will tell you which wheel/wheels are causing the problem or if the is no problem at all.
Old 01-11-2011, 09:02 AM
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Once I had one of the caliper sliding bolts snap and I could hear it rubbing when I turned sharply, like in a parking lot. When I got home I took a look and saw the rub marks on the inside of the wheel. I took the wheel off and couldnt see anything wrong until I grabbed the caliper and it moved. Upon closer inspection I then noticed that one of the caliper bolts that allow it to slide was snapped off. Braking was fine and if it had not been for noticing the noise I never would have known until something potentially catastrophic happened.
Old 01-16-2011, 11:47 AM
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I've had enough mud in my wheels to mark up all 4 corners.
I also had a caliper bolt come loose and do the same.
Old 01-16-2011, 04:05 PM
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Thanks fellas. I got under and had another look after some drive time this past week. There are no marks on the wheels.

I'll have a look next time I run through mud and rocks to take note as well. I appreciate all the ideas. I don't need parts falling off the truck!
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