| Author | Message | ||
     Xb9er |
The brake pad on the outside surface of the front rotor of my XB is worn down twice as much as the other one. I am sure this isn't normal. Brake fluid level is full, pads are OEM with 10,000 miles on them. The only out of the ordinary thing about my front brake is that when the steering is turned and locked, the brake line seems like it is under tension and seems like it should be a couple inches longer. Questions: 1. What would cause the difference in brake pad wear? 2. How do I solve the problem? 3. Should I get a longer brake cable? Thanks. Mike.  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Replaced both sets of front pads on my 95 Saturn this weekend and saw the exact same thing, both sides. Only thing I could figure is different compounds in the pads... the caliper assemblies don't seem stuck. Based on your sig picture, I think the problem is clear, you are leaning too far towards the left pad  | ||
| Glitch |
The calipers only push from one side, the piston side. The other side is there to have something to push on. The rotor isn't being pinched evenly from both sides because of this. Nothing abnormal in what you see. As long as the ware is even across the brake pad. Based on your sig picture... Too funny  | ||
| Xb9er |
 That's very funny. Each pad is worn very evenly. Just seemed like too big a difference between the two pads. Thanks guys for sharing your expertise. Mike. | ||
| Henrik |
you may have baked-on brake dust keeping your pistons from retracting completely. Clean with brake cleaner and a toothbrush. Henrik | ||
| Henrik |
The calipers only push from one side, the piston side. The front caliper is 6 piston, three on either side. Since the fluid pressure should be the same on either side, piston pressure on each of the brake pads should be the same as well. Right? Henrik | ||
| Glitch |
Two sets of three pistons yes. Only one set of three extend to push the pad into the rotor, on the other side the pistons just hold the pads to the rotor. That's why you only have to push one set of pistons in when you change brake pads. the piston side. DOH!!! (Message edited by glitch on November 01, 2004) | ||
| Reepicheep |
True for the XB, I muddled things by bringing up my Saturn. But even it has a pinching arrangement, so that forces should be centered on both pads if it is working right. | ||
| P0p0k0pf |
Aren't XB rotors floating? If the caliper halves don't float, the rotor has to. The rotor may be binding on the floating fasteners on the rim. If this occurs, the rotor cannot center itself when the caliper compresses, causing uneven wear. Also, what happens when you wash the bike? Do you get wheel cleaner on the outside rotor face? Do you cycle the wet brakes after washing it to dry them? If you get wheel cleaner on the rotor, it may cause corrosion and a rough surface. This disappears when you first hit the brakes, but it will cause excessive pad wear. | ||
| Xb9er |
P0p0k0pf - You may be on to something now that you mention the rotor not centering itself. I haven't checked the floating rotor fasteners in quite a while. I'll do that today. Brake dust could also be a problem. I need to go get some brake cleaner! I don't use wheel cleaner, just car wash solution and water. I don't always ride after washing the bike. Thanks. Mike. | ||
| Fullpower |
the rotor does float, but it is under substantial spring tension. so essentially it floats in one direction only. but the brake pistons float and should keep wear even. perhaps on or more of your brake caliper pistons have seized in their bores? "vote for bush" | ||
| Xb9er |
Yes, sad to say, I have neglected the brakes and it is possible that one piston has seized. I need to look into all of the above suggestions also. I will just take it all apart and get to the bottom of this before I ride it again. Mike. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
My wifes pads were dragging and was due to stuck pistons. Brake cleaner did cure the problem. Be wary of dragging brakes as they will warp the rotor in no time... For the sake of my paycheck, vote for Bush! LOL! |
