I own a 2002 Dodge Caravan SE (3.3 V6, Disc / Drum system) here in Canada. While applying the brakes I can hear a squeal coming from the passenger side front wheel. I removed the wheel and caliper to check out the brake pads and it seems the wear indicator is not close to the rotor yet (enough old pad left). Here is a photo of the old pads (click for larger):



As you can see the pads seem to be wearing more along the side edges producing the oblique angle. Is this normal? I would expect the pad to wear evenly across the whole pad until worn out.

Here is a comparison of the old pad and new pad:



If my pad is wearing improperly what exactly is causing this? Is this the cause of the squeal since the wear indicator seems far back enough not to be causing it?

Thanks

 

brake squeal is like the #1 noise complaint for everyone. usually glazed rotors and brake pad materials is a common cause.

when you installed new pads, you had the rotors resurfaced right?

 

I just completed the installation of the new brake pads for both front brakes. I did not replace or resurface the rotors. Visually they seemed ok. Is resurfacing a "requirement" with new pads?

I phoned my local Canadian Tires and asked them the cost for resurfacing the rotor. If i brought in the rotor it would be $50 to resurface. Funny enough a new rotor cost $28 to $40. Hmmmm.

 

i read that one should always resurface the rotors with new pad installation. i cant beleive they want $50/rotor? or was it $50 for both for resurface? everywhere i checked said $5-$10 each. you must have called the dodge dealer and not like the local joes garage kinda shop

 

What type of pads are you using? My experience shows that the ceramic pads work great and don't have the squeal that the factory type pads have.

 

Are those first pads ones you replaced? I have bought pads that have had beveled edges like what is shown in your picture. Depends on the brand of pad. Looking at the pad, that angle looks to be somewhere around 30 to 45 degrees or so. Think of how those pads would have to be riding that rotor in order to wear at that angle. Would seem impossible in my mind.

 

yup the pads i just put on my jeep had those beveled edges,
also did you put on semi-metalic pads or ceramics?