Just wondering...has anyone else found the inboard pad,on both left and right,wearing only in the center of the pad??? The outer edge and inner edge of the rotor is all rusted and unworn by the pad...idunno it's just odd...I also found dimples on the caliper bracket,or knuckle,where the pads ears contact, I'm not sure if they're supposed to be there or the spot is just worn,just wondering if anyone else has seen these things and how their brakes are now,I replaced the pads and rotors and flushed the fluid...

 

Yeah, I noticed this same thing this weekend. I have to replace both my front rotors for similar reasons you stated in your post above.

I still have good braking so I am not in a hurry to investigate and repair.Strange.

Maybe someone else can chime in with advise.

Oh and if you did replace your rotors where did you get them and how much?

 

First off you need to weld over the "dimples" or grooves in the steering knuckle and grind them smooth. You will need to do the tops of the flat areas and the inner part also. Then you should prbably use brake grease and lube the calper slider/mounting bolt. Your caliper is most likely binding so the only pressure on your rotors is where the caliper piston is pushing from the backside of the pads while the ends stay planted in the grooves in the knuckle. Also some pads are tapered at the ends and generally only wear in the center 3/4th's of the pad.

I ran into the same problem recently and after welding the knuckles, new pads and rotors and lubed everything my brakes are much better. Almost like a new truck.

On a side note: It sounds like your brakes are in a similar condition to what mine were so I would consider replaceing the fleixible front brake lines. They are rubber and tend to swell over time. Mine were nearly half the size internally that they should be when new but looked fine on the outside and didn't leak either.

 

.....I figured that,the wear marks were very defined and looked like they're supposed to be there,but I knew they were'nt,that would'nt make sense...I'll have to see if I can get a welder!!!


B-man...I got rotors and pads from a parts store and paid 40 for each rotor and 60 for the pads,both "Wagner thermo-quiet"...

 

Does anyone know if any lateryears use the metal clips that cover the ears for the pads to slide on,or if there is any aftermarket fix for this???

 

I did some searching around and didn't find anything that would work...welding them up is about your only choice. Good thing is that the weld is actually stronger than the cast metal "ears" so it should outlast the original surface if done correctly. Especially if you keep up on the maintenence. I try to put a dab of brake grease on the spindle each time I rotate the tires which should minimize any grooves cause by the pads. I also lightly file the ends of the pads where they ride on the spindle just enough to make them smooth. They are usually pretty rough out of the box.