Not what we had planned for the day

 Reggy likes to cuddle under our comforter in the mornings while we are having breakfast. On Thursday he threw up under the covers. It was not much, but enough for me to strip the bed and to head into town to the laundromat. They have such great big machines that make this chore a breeze. Reggy was fine afterwards and I don’t even know what had brought that on. In the afternoon we went on a drive here in the neighbourhood just to get out and do a bit of sightseeing. It was then that we both noticed a grinding noise coming from the left rear side of the truck when braking. Actually, I had heard that a couple of days before also but didn’t bring it up (as in Mrs bad news).

Daddy to the rescue so the little legs don't get wet (today at noon)

Yesterday morning Benno said that Harbor Freight had a sale on for the Countersink/Deburring tool set that he wanted to get. Next to Harbor Freight is an ACE Hardware Store where I wanted to purchase a package of rubber seals for my Mason Jars that needed replacement and I knew they carried them, so we all piled in the truck to come along. 

A couple of miles before the Harbor Freight plaza we passed by the “Brake Masters” shop and Benno said before long we should better have them take a look to find out what that noise is. I suggested to do it now since we got time. In a quick decision we made a U-turn to see if a mechanic would have time to inspect that noise.

Lets see what is causing that noise

The inspection would be free of charge we were told and how can you not go for that? The dogs and I went for a walk while the truck was hoisted up and Benno waited for the report of the mechanic.

Oh my goodness, good thing we made the right decision to pull in for an inspection. After all four tires were removed we got to see the culprit of the noise. The brake caliper was sticking causing uneven wear on left rear brake. It had worn the outside brake pad right down to the metal and that was grinding the rotor. Quite a mess with metal particles all over the brake. 

To the left a new brake pad, to the right what is left of our rear left bake pad

It was suggested that we change both rear brake sides of the truck, which makes absolute sense. We needed two brake rotors, two sets of brake pads and left and right brake calipers, as well as a brake fluid flush and new brake fluid. The truck is 10 years old and got 220.000 KM on the tach and was still running on the original brakes all these years, pulling the trailer up and down to the States while chasing the sun during the winter months. 

Look at that shiny rotor, like silver, but we paid for gold!

This morning it started snowing while we were having breakfast. You’d think coming from Canada it is not an unusual thing, but I swear we haven’t seen such big snowflakes for the longest time ever! This kept us entertained until noon when the spectacle was over and the sun melted it all away. And come to think that just yesterday afternoon I sat outside in the sun wearing shorts and a t-shirt! This weather is nuts.

Big snowflakes are starting to fall all around us

That's it for the snow, I think

Thanks for dropping in again.