Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) R. side pads worn, L. side not...

[MHalloran]

I've noticed my brakes feeling mushy & different lately. Not right. After initially inspecting underneath, I had found my front brake lines had rotted and developed small weep hole leaks. I then ripped all the old lines out from the master cylinder down & and replaced both front and also the one that runs to the rear wheels. Bled the system, then test drove. Noticed it still felt the same. Pulled driver side wheel & found pads still had plenty left on them. ( caliper is original, never replaced ) Then pulled passenger side wheel and found the inner pad was 95% worn and the outer half was like new. ( this caliper I replaced 2 years ago, from NAPA ) I've also had my ABS/brake light come on not so long ago. Do we lose some braking action in the rear wheels when this light comes on? I guess I should also replace that original caliper as well. The truck feels that there is like only one brake stopping the truck. Obvious by the wear pattern. Rear wheel shoes still in good shape also. It does not pull to one side though. If I needed to jam on the brakes in an emergency I don't think she would stop in time. Anyone else experience this single brake one wheel only working? Suggestions?

 

[kenny61]

most of the time uneven pad wear is due to the caliper not sliding back and forth on the pins. As long as you can squeeze the piston back into the caliper it is probably ok you beed to clean and lubricate the pins and the areas on the knuckle and caliper where it slides. uneven rear brake adjustemnt will also effect the pull to one side. Over the years it as been common for my truck to wear out one side before the other if I dont keep em cleaned and lubed. now if it starts to pull to a side a take em off and clen em up

 

[MHalloran]

Thanks Ken. Maybe a touch more white grease will help.

 

[kenny61]

Thanks Ken. Maybe a touch more white grease will help.

A little more thought on the subject place just the pads in the knuckle, no caliper , and make sure the slide back and forth . If not use a wire brush or flat screwdriver to clean of the rust

 

[LandShark]

Thanks Ken. Maybe a touch more white grease will help.

Do not use white grease. There are special caliper greases made for this application. Any auto parts store will have it.

Clean up the surfaces with a wire wheel or sandpaper. Get them very smooth. Also, don't forget to use the same lube on the caliper bolts.

 

[Skydiver]

I believe the extra wear on the right side could be caused from the fact that the right side of the road usually has more grit and grime. Almost every time I check my brakes the right side is worn more than the left. The puddles we drive through are full of grit. Grit and sand causes wear.

Same goes for bearings.

When I do a brake check, I only check the right side because the left side has less wear.

 

[kenny61]

I believe the extra wear on the right side could be caused from the fact that the right side of the road usually has more grit and grime. Almost every time I check my brakes the right side is worn more than the left. The puddles we drive through are full of grit. Grit and sand causes wear.

Same goes for bearings.

When I do a brake check, I only check the right side because the left side has less wear.

I think he is asking because the inner and outer pad are worn unevenly. To confirm your theory, however, It is 4 out of 5 times the right side that messes up on mine . I never thought about why it was that side but salty puddles on the curb might have something to do with it

 

[MHalloran]

I think he is asking because the inner and outer pad are worn unevenly. To confirm your theory, however, It is 4 out of 5 times the right side that messes up on mine . I never thought about why it was that side but salty puddles on the curb might have something to do with it

Yes, that is my issue. ( uneven pad wear in 1 caliper ) I'll pick up that caliper grease and in the next few days work on it. Will post after completed. Thanks guys..... Mike