For several weeks now, the employee's car , a late model white Saturn, has had rear brakes that when applied were too "loud" and "squeeky". The employee, finally growing tired of the irritating noise decided the best and easiest solution would be to apply a lubricant to the brakes. He stated that he first applied some form of grease ( dark in color and gooey) and sprayed silicon on the entire rotor and caliper assembly. When done, and afetr a little clean up to hit the bar the employee departed for a night of drinking taking the quickest route - the freeway. As is typical in our area traffic can progress very quickly then suddenly slow down and jam up. he said he had no braking problems prior to getting onto the freeeway and also no noises heard. However while on the freeway and attempting to slow down reapeated attempts to slow the car failed. Puzzled, he kept trying and stated as cars passed him he started to recieve funny looks from people and some who pointed towards the back of the car. Looking into the side mirrors he couls see smoke emitting from the rear wheel well. After some distance (unknown) the car finally stopped on its own ( lack of momentum) with one very scared driver inside. When he got out to investigate he found he could clearly see his caliper as it was glowing orange through the smoke. Thats are employee alright!

Submitted on 11/19/2003

Submitted by: D Zimmerman
Reference: none avail/ Tues Nov. 18th 03

Copyright © 2003 DarwinAwards.com

Loren said:
Neutral: Personal Account
I often fix my own brakes, but I make sure that I've got the best brake-pads one can buy, and that the disks and pads are dirt and grease free. With the quality of workmanship at Autoshops these days I only trust my own work. But then I make very sure of what I'm about.Grease on the Disks? Well... keep watching this space.

Jack said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Could have used a better write-up, but I must admit that anyone who tries to lube his brakes is definitely a contender! Please do keep us posted as to the results of his next attempt at do-it-yourself car repair ...

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
There are a few systems on a car that I won't touch, brakes are one of them. When mine get noisy, I take them to a shop that will guarantee their work. Tinkering with an essential system like this? Definitely a potential candidate...

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