Why Do Brake Shoes Wear Unevenly?
Uneven pad wear is indicated when one pad is wearing faster than the opposing pad on the same caliper. When one pad contacts the braking surface with more pressure than the other, uneven braking pressure may result in uneven wear, excessive heat or pad failure. When inspecting your brake pads to determine remaining life, always inspect both pads to determine if uneven wear is occurring.
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Brake Surface Damage
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Road debris caught in a brake pad or striking the rotor may gouge the surface of the metal. The gouge then strips away brake pad material during each rotation under braking pressure. If one of the brake pads indicates significantly more wear than the other, inspect the braking surface to determine if damage exists. If insufficient metal remains to allow brake rotor resurfacing, replace the rotor.
Rotor Warping
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Rotor warping is a result of excessive heat damage. Excessive heat causes the brake surface metal to flex and bend. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads do not evenly press against the warped surface. Throbbing and pulsing are potential indicators of warped rotors. Uneven wear results when the pads strike the surface without maintaining contact. The rotor should be resurfaced, if possible. However, a badly warped rotor should be replaced entirely.
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Caliper Corrosion
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Sliding calipers are the most common brake caliper available. The caliper functions by pressing one pad against the brake surface while the caliper slides to press the other pad against the opposite surface. The slide posts are protected with lubrication and rubber boots. If water, chemicals or debris enter the boot, corrosion slows or prevents the sliding action. The inside pad may wear unevenly if the caliper does not allow the outer pad to make contact. If the caliper is seized in the clamped position, the outer pad may strike the braking surface continuously, causing faster wear. Rebuild or replace the caliper if the slides are damaged.
Misaligned Calipers and Rotors
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The brake rotor is designed to be clamped evenly on both sides at the same time. If the caliper is aligned at an angle above the rotor, the front of one pad will be worn, while the back of the other will show signs of wear. Likewise, if the rotor is not seated on the lug posts properly -- usually due to debris caught between the rotor and hub, or the wheel well and rotor -- the rotor will sit at an angle inside the caliper. Brake pads showing uneven wear indicating angled braking should have the caliper and rotor seating inspected.
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References
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