The sliding surfaces corrode from moisture, and snow melting chemicals on those disk brakes with floating calipers (which is almost all disk brakes) -- once they corrode they no longer slide and one pad will wear much faster than the other. They can also stick, or drag, when applied and over-heat the rotor, caliper and wheel (I have seen fires start from dragging brakes). This also requires more fuel to overcome the friction of dragging brakes.
Cure is to keep these sliding surfaces well lubricated. Too many folks think a brake job consists of replacing the friction surfaces and the rotor if worn. The most important is to inspect, clean and lubricate the sliding surfaces. Use a lubricant designed for brakes, so it is compatible with the materials used in brakes – and don’t get the lubricant (even a little bit) on the friction surfaces, including the rotor.
If some of those sliding surfaces are plated (as is often the case with pin style construction shown above), when corroded those plated parts MUST be replaced. Cleaning the corrosion from them will also remove the remains of the plating and more corrosion will soon follow. These parts are plated to slow corrosion.
The way to spot a inoperative sliding mechanism before it causes damage to the friction surfaces is a thorough inspection, sometimes including disassembly, if the style of the sliding mechanism requires that.
Brakes are not a simple matter. If you don’t have a service manual, or someone to tutor you, take the car to a professional. One ought not cut corners on such safety related items.
Cure is to keep these sliding surfaces well lubricated. Too many folks think a brake job consists of replacing the friction surfaces and the rotor if worn. The most important is to inspect, clean and lubricate the sliding surfaces. Use a lubricant designed for brakes, so it is compatible with the materials used in brakes – and don’t get the lubricant (even a little bit) on the friction surfaces, including the rotor.
If some of those sliding surfaces are plated (as is often the case with pin style construction shown above), when corroded those plated parts MUST be replaced. Cleaning the corrosion from them will also remove the remains of the plating and more corrosion will soon follow. These parts are plated to slow corrosion.
The way to spot a inoperative sliding mechanism before it causes damage to the friction surfaces is a thorough inspection, sometimes including disassembly, if the style of the sliding mechanism requires that.
Brakes are not a simple matter. If you don’t have a service manual, or someone to tutor you, take the car to a professional. One ought not cut corners on such safety related items.
