2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Left front inner brake pad is SHOT!

[Beast2B]

I have read numerous times about 2nd gen trucks pulling left while braking. Mine is no different, but kind of inconsistent. I had some grinding going on in the front left, so I pulled the brakes apart today to check things out. The left front inner pad is down to metal while the outer pad is around 1/8 inch. The front right is nearly 1/4 inch inner and outer... What gives? Is this normal? My brakes have never been repaired or changed (78k miles), the lines have never been opened to allow air in, so what's up? Is there something from the factory that got hosed up? Sliding pins were all good, even still had some lube on them. No stuck pistons.

#@$%! Vent over. Better parts are on the way. I'm doing the GM rear wheel cylinders at the same time, so hopefully I'll be impressed

 

[WilsonF]

If you go to a service center they will tell you that you need new calipers, and you just might. I took mine apart to replace the pads and when resembling them cleaned all the sliding parts bolts, rubber boots and the pads that the calipers slide on then greased them w/grease made for the brakes. After I was done all was good w/my brakes again.

 

[jkalchik]

I fought a pull to the right for a couple of years. The left front caliper had frozen up.

I wouldn't bother trying to rebuild a caliper myself, the local O'Reilly's carries calipers for net $35.

 

[JacobsD]

Try checking your brake hoses, one could be a little rusted up on the clip that holds it by the control arm mount on the axle. If it is, it could be restricting/holding fluid.

 

[Dave M]

I have read sometimes the flexible brake hoses at the caliper can collapse internally and keep pressure on the pads and wear the pads. You can't tell from outside they are bad. It seems to a a common failure point on some.



It also might be the caliper. Try replacing the brake hose. If everything is sliding then the caliper is suspect.

 

[JDKammin]

I would say that you have a caliper that is not sliding on the mounts correctly, if it is only the inside pad and not the outside. I had a caliper that I did not think was working on RH side, since truck would pull to the left. Changed caliper and did not fix problem. Replaced brake hose and problem went away. I have been told that the metal bracket that holds the brake hose to the frame will rust and causes the hose to collapse from the rust.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

My guess from past experience:



1. you have a defective (made you know where) pad that delaminated.



2. Your caliper is fine but the slide pins need lotsa help - buffing lubing and checking for free movement.



3. Your caliper itself is in fact sticking - bad piston seal??



4. You have a choked brake line as mentioned.



Ain't it simple listed like that??



Best o' luck!