Brake Problem????

[AgExplorer]

I just had the front brakes done a few weeks ago with about 78,500 miles on my '95 2 wheel drive. Replaced the rotors (Ford OEM) and pads (Performance Friction Carbon Metallic) because the left front inner pad destroyed the rotor and the other was just too thin to have machined. Apparently the pad wore a lot faster for some reason. Now to the problem. I am noticing more brake dust on the left (driver's) side than the right. It also did this after I had the brakes done the time before at about 50,000 miles and continued until the recent repair. I had the brakes looked at by a couple of different mechanics and nothing visual indicated anything wrong. The calipers appear to be functioning properly. I have discussed this with my mechanic friend who did the work and he is very puzzled. This guy used to work for a local Ford dealership and knows his stuff. My Explorer has 4 wheel ABS to add another piece to the puzzle. Anyone have any theories as to what may be happening? Anyone ever experienced something similar? Thank you in advance for the help.

One other thing, it does pull to the left when the brake pedal is depressed quickly. It will also do this when a lot of pressure is applied.

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AgExplorer
95 XLT 4X2 4.0L OHV
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants & Filters
NGK Platinum Plugs
Jacobs Electronics Wires

[This message has been edited by AgExplorer (edited 04-22-2000).]

 

[RVerdejo]

A couple of things to check as I'm getting more dusting on my right wheel than the left with new pads, but NO PULLING

1. Check the Lower Ball Joints (I had a bad one on the left which caused brake oscillation I thought was worn pads

2. Take a really good look at those caliper pins and mounting surfaces that they're smooth and lubed (cailper grease or molybdenum based grease.

3. Try bleeding the brakes again (RR, LR, RF, LF sequence). If lines were disconnected for the brake work, some air may have gotten into the Hydraulic Control Unit (ABS system).

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Don't Worry about things you can control...
Don't Worry about things you cannot control.

96 Eddie Bauer AWD V8
Two other cars that aren't Explorers

 

[mrboyle]

It sounds like your caliper(s) are sticking. This can be either the piston sticking in the caliper, or the caliper not "floating" on the pins properly. First, check the pins (bolts) as mentioned above. They need to be clean and slightly lubed (too much lube will cause dirt build up and hinder performance), the bushings in the caliper also need to be free to "float".
If this doesn't appear to be the problem check to see if you have a caliper sticking. With the vehicle properly supported and front tires removed, stand at the passenger front. See if you can spin the rotor by hand (one hand is all that should be needed) have an assistant apply and release the brakes. Attempt to turn the rotor again. If it is very difficult to turn the caliper may be sticking and needs to be replaced. By the way if you didn't know, front calipers should ALLWAYS be replaced in pairs! If the rotor spins with little resistance repeat test on the other side.
If neither test shows any snigifiant result, there is a way to test the front calipers for even application. It is called a brake or caliper ballance test. The test involves placing special tools in the caliper that measure the amount of pressure each side is providing. It can also tell you if one side isn't releasing properly (causing the pads to drag). Call around to the local shops in your area and see if anyone has the equiptment to preform the test.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps!

 

[AgExplorer]

Thank you for the advice. I am going to replace the calipers and go from there. Hope this does the trick.

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AgExplorer
95 XLT 4X2 4.0L OHV
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants & Filters
NGK Platinum Plugs
Jacobs Electronics Wires

 

[mrboyle]

Something else you might do prior to installing the new calipers is to flush the brake fluid (if it hasn't already been done). This is something the manufacturers are recomending done every few years on ABS equipped vehicles. Dead Link Removed It is necessary to keep dirt out of the ABS controller as well as reduce build up of contaminents in the entire system.

 

[AgExplorer]

mrboyle, Thanks for the reminder. This was done when the brake job was done but it may not hurt to do it again.

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AgExplorer
95 XLT 4X2 4.0L OHV
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants & Filters
NGK Platinum Plugs
Jacobs Electronics Wires
Info and Ordering for AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants - Dead Link Removed