New Brakes?

[70 FJ40]

The front brakes on our 100 started squeaking when we apply the brakes about 4 weeks ago. Took it to a local tire shop. They said it needs new pads and rotors. When I looked at them the pads on the inside are more worn than the outside. They said the rotors are "glassed over" causing the squeaking.

I'm thinking I'd like to do the job myself but I'm wondering if the calipers need to be replaced as well. Is it normal for the pads to be worn different on inside vs outside? Truck has 230k on it. Pads were replaced several years back, but I don't think the calipers or the rotors have ever been replaced.
Just looking for advice on how best to proceed here.

Thanks

 

[MongooseGA]

Very possible the inner pistons are seized- it's not unheard of. They can be rebuilt relatively easily, or you could replace them. Either option will require a brake bleed afterward. Uneven pad wear is a good indicator of a seized piston, but if you remove the caliper and pads, you can try to compress the pistons to confirm.

 

[70 FJ40]

Thanks. I had thought uneven brake pad wear was an indicator of bad calipers but the guy at the shop said they were fine and both sides looked the same. (More wear on the iside pads) You never know about those guys though.
Like other parts, should I go for oem replacemnts? Or are there better options for brake components?

 

[MongooseGA]

Generally for maintenance items like brakes, I'd go with OEM. The OEM parts are very good. Some others have success with EBC, Akebono, etc.

 

[nissanh]

before you pull the calipers, use channel locks and try to free up the pistons.

 

[SteveH]

If the pins on which the pads slide in/out are crusty, the pads can hang up on the pins and wear oddly. Check all brake hardware and replace accordingly. At a minimum, clean off the pins and grease lightly with high-temp brake grease where the pads ride.

 

[Jack90210]

I've had good luck with NAPA rebuilt calipers, and they're not very expensive. If I saw the symptoms that you're seeing, I'd replace the calipers.

 

[GerLC100]

I'd give it a try to free them up and then watch the new pads. Much easier than opening your brake fluid system. And if you can't make it move you can still new calipers.

OEM surely not bad, Napa is typically on the good side.

side note: I personally swapped rotors/ pads to DBA and am happy

 

[MountaineerLC]

Do you guys recommend replacing rotors and pads in pairs (i.e. both rear or both front) or is it ok to just do one corner?

I’m getting a little pulsing when braking and based on uneven pad wear, I’m suspecting my right rear caliper is seized.

 

[SteveH]

Replace rotors /pads in pairs (both front or both rear).

Buy rotors cheaply at Rock Auto, as 99% of all rotors are Chinese-made anyway. I have used these on many vehicles with good results, from F350s to RX 350s, 4Runners, etc.