So I started to do my rear brakes but could only get the pass side done today. That side was the worst of the 2. worn to the metal backing on the outside pad. pads are a very tight fit even with the pistons pushed all the way in. Sticking caliper maybe? truck seems to roll fine. does not feel like he rear brake is stuck but the pass side smells and is very hot where the drivers side is cool enough to touch.

 

If one side is brand new (thick) and the other side is worn (thin) so yes that makes sense that the thicker pads will be engadging the rotor more than the other side. Why are you driving it like that? Get the other pads on man!

 

Because it started to snow and I dont have a garage. Disc brake pads wear at uneven rates so I dont think your theory is correct. the pads were a very tight fit installing them and I pushed both pistons all the way in.

 

I would bet you have a sticking caliper. Shouldn't be wearing that unevenly and if one side is really hot, the pads are dragging. What year? Did you open the bleed screw when you pushed the pistons back? if not, you just pushed all of the crap that was in the caliper back up your line. I would suggest flushing your brakes after you install the other side. You should look into re-build kits for both rear calipers.

 

I think you are right about the sticking caliper. Its a '96 and I did not open the bleed screw. I did notice the pistons were hard to push back in. Even with a good sized "C" clamp. I also did the rotor. I am thinking either corosion on the piston area that has been exposed to the elements or alot of crap in the caliper. I could not get the piston flush with the caliper body and the pads are a tight fit.

 

your caliper is probably full of junk and the pistons are sticking. If you replaced the pads and rotor, it will be trash in 20K. Midas replaced all of my brakes 20K before I bought my truck and it was on metal when I bought it. Of course they wouldn't warantee it, so I re-built the caliper with a kit from Atlantic British. No problems since...

 

I live 15 minutes from atlantic british si I just go there to pick up the parts. I will have to get a rebuild kit.

 

did you clean the pad rails on the calipers? - use caliper grease b/4 installing pads.

and yes, the pads on every vehicle I've worked on in the past 50 years is designed for EVEN clamping of the pads on the rotors.

luck,greg