Question about brake calipers

[doobiess]

Well today I did a general inspection of my brakes since im about to go on a road trip this month and its through the rocky mountains so I need to make sure they all ok.

Anyways i removed the front caliper and noticed the pad that is on the caliper piston side isnt right from the right side to the left the pad itself on an angle when I brake causing one side of the pad to be more thick than the other..

Im sure i got original calipers (265 000kms) and im kinda thinking the calipers might be on thier way out.

The pads are about a year old and they are just about at the squeeler.. I did a complete brake fluid flush about a year ago and still looks good with no bubbles in brake line?

Yes my brake pads were greased at all points/

Im gonna change the pads but do I have to consider the caliper is worn of the pad wasnt install right..??

Even though the back of the pad was in full contact with the piston?

any ideas thanks

[carlover626]

What direction are you taking through the Rockies?
Sorry I am no help, just wanted to throw in some CO love...

[doobiess]

Im in canada going through vancouver to the oakanagan area of kelowna bc and surrounding region.. if that helps

[rixGAphx]

It *might* be the caliper, but it's definitely a case of the caliper slide bolt sticking (where the pad is still thick).
The hole in the caliper might have become oval-shaped, so the caliper itself may be shot.
I don't think these calipers have replaceable slider bushings, either bronze or plastic, as many calipers do.

You need to take those apart and get the sliding operation working perfectly.
Complete rebuilt calipers might be the cheapest and easiest way to go, but new slide bolts in any case.

Since you will be significantly improving how smoothly the one caliper works, you should do both calipers for symmetrical operation.

Good luck,
-Rick

[doobiess]

are you referring to those inserts that go into the caliper where the caliper to steering knuckle bolt goes? if that is the case yes they pop out and move in or out when moving the bolt around.. would that be case of making sure its all the way in when installing new pads...

btw the car brakes straight when braking

[rixGAphx]

Yes, those inserts are 'bushings'.

They should be nicely lubricated with moly wheel bearing grease, and there shouldn't be any 'slop' when everything is tightened.

[doobiess]

im just going to replace the whole caliper to be sure.. and new pads then i wont have to second guess myself specially comming down a 4000ft mountain pass

[SE2000]

If you are willing to clean and lube your calipers, you probably can save the money and work. You are not going to wear out the brake unless you ride the pedal all the way down the hill like an old old guy

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by SE2000
If you are willing to clean and lube your calipers, you probably can save the money and work.Prolly depends on whether that caliper, which seems to have been jammed at an angle for a while, still has round, straight pins and holes.
If the holes have been ovaled/elongated, then I think they'll continue to jamb the caliper sideways, regardless of lubing.
You are not going to wear out the brake unless you ride the pedal all the way down the hill like an old old [I]lady[/I We 'old, old guys' don't ride the brake pedal.
Aerodynamic resistance is adequate to keep the speed under control :D :D

at 95 mph down a 7% grade!! :eek:

:D :D