Abnormal Brake Wear, What to bleed Options

[airforceb2cc]

I changed my pads a few years ago and I just started hearing the wear sensor squeel. I only drive about 5000mi a year so I took the tire off to see what was up. Only one pad is worn down and the rest are still new. My question is, do I just need to bleed the brakes or is there more that I'm not seeing here? If I just need to bleed, do I bleed the three that aren't stopping or the one that is?

Thanks,

Don

[GriffGirl]

Sounds like you could possibly have an issue with the calipers on the side that is worn down. Could also possibly be an ABS issue, but I think that's less likely.

Is there evidence of high heat on the side that's worn down? You'd know by inspecting the rotor; it'll have some lovely colors on it, like burnishing colors (purples, greens, pinks) if it's been exposed to high heat. This could also be an indication of a problem with the calipers. Also, are your brakes pulsating when you brake, or do they brake smoothly?

[airforceb2cc]

Sounds like you could possibly have an issue with the calipers on the side that is worn down. Could also possibly be an ABS issue, but I think that's less likely.

Is there evidence of high heat on the side that's worn down? You'd know by inspecting the rotor; it'll have some lovely colors on it, like burnishing colors (purples, greens, pinks) if it's been exposed to high heat. This could also be an indication of a problem with the calipers. Also, are your brakes pulsating when you brake, or do they brake smoothly?

Well, while taking the caliper bolt off, it broke in the caliper bracket so now I'm royally facked. I'm going to try and drill it out and tap a slightly bigger bolt but I'm not sure how well that will work. I do have a little sign of a heat problem. Not on the rotor but on the old pads. They were cracked and pitted but they are organic pads so I wasn't expecting much from them in the first place. Time to go find a caliper bracket. If anyone has one laying around...that would be awesome!!


EDIT: Nevermind about that bracket...it is only $40 from the dealership so instead of worrying about shipping and waiting the week for it to get here, it will be there tomorrow at the dealership.

Now I just have to find out why the pad is wearing more than the others. While on hold waiting for the parts department, I was thinking. Based on my aircraft technology background, logic would tell me that I possibly have air in the three brakes that aren't wearing as much and instead of the fluid extending the calipers, the air is compressing and the one line without air (right rear) is stopping the majority of the weight. Thus the hotter brake pads and the faster wearing. Does that sound possible?

This post has been edited by airforceb2cc: May 6, 2008 - 1:16 PM