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Howard
Dodge Dakota
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6/16/2010
13:14:17
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 Subject: Front Brake Calipers
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Message:
Replaced my front pads about 2 years ago with a new set from Auto Zone. Paid for the higher priced set and received the "Limited Lifetime" warranty. Started hearing that unmistakable sound of grinding breaks so I busted the front tires off and removed the old pads. When I took em down to make good on that warranty they told me that they could not replace them because they were down to metal. Of course they are down to metal, how else would I know they are bad?? Then the guy tells me that both my front calipers are sticking and thats why these pads wore out so fast. So I ask him "How fast did they wear out"? Since I hadn't told him when they were bought. He then proceeded to tell me how the brakes work and that they are not supposed to make contact with the rotor unless I apply pressure to the peddle. I believe that the book says that disc brakes are in constant contact with the rotor if they are adjusted correctly. Is this wrong? Is it possible that the dump truck behind the counter at Auto Zone is indeed correct. And if he is how can he tell from looking at the pads which are worn out equally on both right and left wheels but the caliper side of the pads are thinner and down to metal. Plus these pads do not come with any wear tabs to warn that they are getting thin. If any of you can clear this up for me that would be great otherwise thanks for letting me vent.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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6/19/2010
11:42:02
| RE: Front Brake Calipers
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Message:
The front brake pads just slide along the rotor harmlessly when the brakes are not applied, as long as they are free to move when the pedal is released. If the pads are sticking where they contact the calipers or the cross pins, they cannot retract properly from the rotor, and excessive pad wear will result.
Check the rotors for hard spots. They will look like dark areas on the contact area, and are caused by overheating of the rotor in those areas. If you have those, there's a chance your brakes are dragging.
If the pads went down to metal, the rotors might be gouged beyond resurfacing, and may need to be replaced.
Don't buy pads that do not have those wear tabs.
Whenever I need pads, I go to NAPA. They have the wear tabs.
They may not have a "lifetime" warranty, but no pads can be guaranteed not to wear down.
Use white lithium grease very lightly on the places where the pad backing plate contacts the sliding surfaces of the caliper.
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fotodak
Dodge Dakota
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6/20/2010
14:04:42
| RE: Front Brake Calipers
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Message:
The guy is blowing smoke.
He doesn't know how many miles are on the pads, or when they were installed.
You didn't hear grinding until you put on the brakes? they aren't dragging.
Notice his story first was he couldn't replace them because they were worn out. Then he changed his story.
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Josh
Dodge Dakota
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6/20/2010
18:27:38
| RE: Front Brake Calipers
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Message:
I think fotodak is right.
I can't find Dakota front brake pads without the wear indicator tabs on them.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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6/20/2010
18:50:54
| RE: Front Brake Calipers
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Message:
I've bought several sets of pads for different vehicles at a local A/Z and returned a few of them for warranty replacement and never had a problem with them trying to deny warranty. Even a couple were worn to the backing plate.
Now a little A/Z history. I had the pleasure to work at one of their stores for a couple of months. The software they use in their stores is designed so that anyone with a 5th grade education can understand it and use it. So they don't have to look for the most intelligent individuals to hire.
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Tony H
Dodge Dakota
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7/28/2010
08:26:59
| RE: Front Brake Calipers
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Message:
If the Inner pads were worn much further then the outer then Mr Counter Guy is correct. The Calipers are hanging up. The Squealer is usually mounted on the outer Pad. A Bad caliper or sticky Slides would have you wearing down the Inner Pad until you are Metal on metal before the Squealer would give you an indication that you need Brakes.
Normal conditions: The pads do touch the surface of the rotors all the time. There is nothing to force them back away from the rotors but there is no pressure the PAds are just barely touching.
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