I read quite a few braking issue threads indicating bad calipers, collapsed brake hoses, Master Cylinder Issues, ABS HCU issues, and even rotor assembly bearings bad. Unfortunately not a lot was covered with regards to the symptoms surrounding these. For my scenario I have a 2006 F150 SuperCrew Lariat with about 60K miles. Recently (about a week ago) I was driving home from work in the evening and when I stopped in town I noticed a burning smell. When I got home I could feel heat coming off the front end. I popped the hood and scoured the engine bay for a source. I could not find anything but noted the smell was stronger on the pass side. I felt wiring for heat and nothing. I drove to work the next morning no issues at all. On my way home when I got on the freeway (same one I go to work on) and the front end was shaking a bit. I thought maybe I had a wheel balance issue. When I pulled into town again I smelled the smell and I noticed the truck seemed to be braking on its own. Not full pressure but enough to feel the hesitation or drag. When I would get close to a stop it would stop on its own. When I got home I could feel the heat from the wheels. I thought possibly my brakes were worn down to the point that maybe the calipers were sticking at times. I bought new pads and when I went to replace them I noticed that the pads were fine and the calipers looked fine. There was alot of dust build up where the pad tabs slide and on the metal clip they slide in. So I cleaned everything up really good, made sure the pads slid freely before reinstalling the spring clips and calipers. Drove to work next morning no issues. Drive home the issue developed again where I was using extra gas to compensate for the brakes being partially engaged. My ebrake was never engaged at any time so I know its not that. So today I went a different route with less stops on the way home and everything was fine for about 16 miles when at about 45 MPH it started shuddering again. I was no where near the brake pedal. Its almost like pressure was applied all on its own. When I reached a stop the residual pressure remained steady when I proceeded to go. I went from 18MPG down to 8 MPG in about 1.5 miles. So I am not sure what the issue is because I drive to work in the morning with no issues whatsoever. It all happens on the way home.. When I had the wheels off the first time there was a bit of fluid between the rotor and wheel. I pulled the metal cap off where the wheel bearing is and there was no fluid in there but it looks sealed. Also there was no discoloration (rainbowing). I checked the front axle level and it was fine. I attribute the burning smell to brake pads. No discoloration of the rotors. No vibrations or shuddering ever occur during braking or right after braking it is when at 35mph or higher on the drive home at some undeterminable time of operation. SO do I have something going on with a bleed control portion of the brakes or maybe its nothing to with the brakes but the wheelbearings? There is no noticeable sounds from the front end at anytime to give indication of bearings... Any help would be great and maybe save me spending unwarranted $$. Thanks so much in advance! Also I put it in 4High and Back thinking maybe there was something going on with the 4WD but it had no effect.

 

Today I got home and was met with smoking calipers.... No clues yet...

 

Just curious if you have found a solution yet, my truck (06 fx4) is doing the exact same thing.

 

subscribed..I also have 06 f150 4x4 3.73 scab..ive had blance issues with old wheels and just got new xd monsters need to re-bal again but buddy works at schwab..last oil change at dealer i asked to chekc brakes..they were fine..but i can slightly hear the pin in pad..what ever i can handle that..ive never had the problems u are describing tho..I hope u or another member can figure it out!

 

Wow finding my old post..but now gents I do have the same problems others have described...smoking brake..<<only on the drivers side..im going to go get a drivers side brake hose tonight and really hope that cures the problem. if anyone has other ideas im all ears. thanks for any info!

 

I believe 04-08 had many brake problems.... my 06 collected a ton of brake dust up front often!

 

I have had this same issue. I know this is an old thread, but figured I put my solution on here for anyone else who comes along.

I had this same issue about a year or two ago, on the front right (passenger) side wheel. I changed the caliper, and it went away completely.

Two weeks ago, this started happening again, but on the front left (driver side) now. I bought a new caliper and am about to replace it today.

I logged on here to search if anyone has had other things cause this problem. I feel like it is odd to have two calipers getting stuck in a two year period. Makes me feel like either the calipers are crap, or there is another problem.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated. In the mean time, I will be in the garage changing the caliper.

 

Might try changing the brake fluid. Remember that brake fluid will absorb moisture over time.
When this happens, the water boils and expands causing a sticking or "vapor lock" situation that is delayed somewhat by the temperature and amount of braking. After driving for awhile and the brakes heat up, thats when the trouble starts...
If the fluid is old or ever got contaminated, that just might be your problem.