Uneven Brake Pad Wear

[LXCRSR]

As I took out my front pads to inspect them last evening, I noticed a couple of things. First, for each of the fron wheels, both the inside pads have way less wear than the outside ones. Second, the outside pads are worn unevenly. The top having roughly 2-3mm more pad than the bottom.

Are these conditions normal? Or is this a sign that I need to service the calipers?

 

[Riad]

Not normal. It could be the calipers have some play. That usually happens when your caliper is loose. Try rotating either front wheel with hand (after jacking it up) and see if the calipers are moving. Also check the caliper bolts for stripped out threads. If some of the threads are stripped out, the caliper will be moving (have play) in daily driving and over time the bolt will fall out. Also check the knuckle holes where the calipers bolt in. They can be stripped as well. If non of that suffice then check your wheel bearings for play. Also check your rotors for uneven surfaces. If all of the above is fine, then check your caliper(s), it/they may need some servicing/replacements.

 

[Tools R Us]

Most of the time that is from one or more stuck caliper piston/s.

 

[LXCRSR]

Riad, I pulled on of the calipers off last night and the threads on the caliper as well as the knuckle were good and the bolts were tight. I will check the other side tonight and check the other items you suggested.

Tools R Us, how would I check to determine if I have stuck caliper pistons?

 

[concretejungle]

LXCRSR,

Unfortunatly since the LC is full time 4wd, you would have to put the entire truck on jack stands to test for a sticky caliper. So put it up there, start the truck, mash the brakes, release and then see if you can spin the tires. If they stick, then you have a sticking caliper.

 

[CJF]

since the LC is full time 4wd, you would have to put the entire truck on jack stands .

Doesn't sound right. With open diff's front, center, and rear, should even be able to spin a tire with only that wheel off the gound with T-case or Tranny in neutral.

No?

Curtis

 

[Tools R Us]

LXCRSR,

Unfortunatly since the LC is full time 4wd, you would have to put the entire truck on jack stands to test for a sticky caliper. So put it up there, start the truck, mash the brakes, release and then see if you can spin the tires. If they stick, then you have a sticking caliper.

Or if you have the wheels off, try compressing the pistons.

 

[syrinxstar]

No. When you rotate one tire, the opposite will want to rotate in the opposite direction.

 

[CJF]

No. When you rotate one tire, the opposite will want to rotate in the opposite direction.

Are you saying that with only one wheel jacked up you would not be able to rotate that wheel? I disagree, as long as, again, either the t-case or tranny is in neutral.

Curtis

 

[concretejungle]

Yes, you can do one axle at a time, but if you want to get all pistons/calipers working at the same time you should get the truck up on 4 jack stands.

 

[LXCRSR]

I'll do some experimenting tonight if I have time. I have access to four jack stands so I will be able to get all four tires off the ground. However, it is my daughter's birthday today (6 years old) so I will be playing Polly Pocket for most of the night, so forgive me if I don't get the information out right away. Also, I am supposed to pick up my '75 FJ55 tonight . That too may get pushed back to tomorrow but may take presidence over the caliper sticking issue.