2001 Explorer XLT front brake wear

[mach0670]

The inner brake pad on the left front wears twice as fast as outer. Also when stopping as wheel is coming to a stop often grinding noise is heard. This is from the front left only. I have replaced the rotor, pads, and new caliper. The caliper is free on the pins and does float. I have taken apart numerous times when grinding has occured and lubed, the grinding goes away for several miles but always comes back. Also the front left brake often seems hot when first parked but not always. ABS is on this vehicle.

 

[CDW6212R]

The calipers must float, any serious uneven wear rate points to a sticking piston or pin. If you really have little pad left on an inner versus outer pad, change the caliper, even if done recently.

BTW, what exactly are you lubricating? Most all Ford have calipers mounted on caliper brackets, which easily unbolt from the spindle. Generally the sliding pins have boots on them, and never need opening/removing/cleaning/lubricating.

Inspect them carefully, the boots should look perfect, and not wet. When anything looks odd with those boots, that signals a pin lubrication problem, thus uneven pad wear. Never separate the caliper from its bracket, use only the bracket bolts for servicing. Good luck,

 

[bp1506]

I had the same thing happened to me and i all i did was replace the caliper. Has been almost 8 months with no problems. I replaced both sides while i was at it since it wasnt done since i bought it.

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, you've got a sticking pin or two on that side. When the caliper tries to clamp, the pins don't let it clamp, and the piston side is the only pad that makes any significant contact.

Even if the boots are intact, the pins can still be frozen or binding. My F-150 had issues with the driver's side doing just that, and the boots looked good as new.

-Joe