brakes - wear indicators or other?
11-15-2005, 04:31 PM
#1
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brakes - wear indicators or other?
on my front brakes, there are these small metal tabs that have started to contact the rotor (i think). when i first heard it, i thought that the wheel bearings were on their way out, but inspected it and it's definitely the tabs. i bent the ones on the left side back and then a few months later, the right side is making the same noise. my question is, are these wear indicators or something else? my brakes feel absolutely fine.
11-15-2005, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by SizzleChest
i always thought that the indicators were in the pad itself. i guess it varies from brand to brand?
11-20-2005, 04:09 PM
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just thought i'd add... the noise is all the time, not just when i apply the brakes. if the wheels are turning, the metallic noise is present. applying the brakes doesn't change the noise at all.
Last edited by Brendan; 11-20-2005 at 04:10 PM.
11-20-2005, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by SizzleChest
just thought i'd add... the noise is all the time, not just when i apply the brakes. if the wheels are turning, the metallic noise is present. applying the brakes doesn't change the noise at all.
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11-23-2005, 04:51 PM
#8
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Is your caliper working OK? The pad on top (outside) looks WAY thicker than the one on the bottom (inside). The bottom pad appears to be worn down to the backing plate, while the top one isn't even past the groove.
Have somebody step on the brakes while you are holding the caliper like in the photo, make sure both pads move equally.
Have somebody step on the brakes while you are holding the caliper like in the photo, make sure both pads move equally.
11-23-2005, 05:27 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by tc
Is your caliper working OK? The pad on top (outside) looks WAY thicker than the one on the bottom (inside). The bottom pad appears to be worn down to the backing plate, while the top one isn't even past the groove.
Have somebody step on the brakes while you are holding the caliper like in the photo, make sure both pads move equally.
Have somebody step on the brakes while you are holding the caliper like in the photo, make sure both pads move equally.
what do you guys think of changing pads without having the rotors machined? i know it's not recommended, but is it absolutely necessary?
Last edited by Brendan; 11-23-2005 at 05:28 PM.
11-24-2005, 07:10 AM
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If the indicators are causing the noise you will see scratches in the rotor surface.You can see that thru the wheel without even taking the wheel off.You need to inspect your brakes every time you rotate tires.Mine has 20,000 miles on it and I still have about half the thicknesss of a new pad.If you tow a heavy trailer inspect often.
11-30-2005, 01:34 PM
#13
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uhoh. i started replacing the pads today. i pulled off the drivers side first. pic above is of the passenger side. the inside pad has practicaly zero percent while the outside pad has a good 60% left. looks like the passenger side could be the same. why is this? faulty calipers? truck only has 165,000 kms (not miles). pads are original, or at least toyota brand.
11-30-2005, 01:44 PM
#14
you need to clean and lube your caliper sliders. You will always have slightly differing amounts of wear between the sides of the pasts due to pysical geometry but it shouldn't bee that much.
11-30-2005, 01:58 PM
#16
I would try lubing them. if the calipers are seized then you would go through a set of brake pads quickly as they would always be on. If the pads are older and you braking has felt normal, then you can probably just get away with lubing them. besides a new set of pads (if the calipers are siezed) is a lot cheaper then the new calipers. To me it doesn't sound like they are seized, just dirty ans not sliding smoothly.
11-30-2005, 02:32 PM
#18
the sliders are typically covered with the little rubber boot. Call the local parts store to find the best product for lubing them. You will want to lube them anywhere they need to slide. I know they slide on the rods covered by the boot, I can't remeber if there is another place on the truck. When you talk to the parts store (not canadian tire, they won't know) ask them, they may be able to help. You should also ask them if you need to lube the caliper piston or not. Hope this helps
11-30-2005, 07:05 PM
#19
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Checking the calipers is pretty easy - while you have them off, have someone stand on the brakes an make sure all the pistons move out the same amount and then back in when they let off the brakes.
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