So, for all you knowledgeable souls, I have a question. I have an 08 5spd SS that is just about to turn 37K. Last night, I had to replace my front pads. It was like someone flipped a switch, they went to squealing like nails on a chalkboard pretty much out of the blue. I knew they had a bit of wear b/c I could feel a vibration starting, but I wouldn't have expected it to change that fast.

My question has to do with the wear. When we pulled the pads, the inside pad on both sides in the front was worn down to the bare metal. The outside pads were worn, but only about 50% or so...This seems extremely unusual to me. Anyone have any ideas? I guess I will call the dealer, but I wanted to check with you guys first.

TIA

 

That sounds like a sticking caliper.

 

Yep, sounds like "the caliper piston" is not retracting..... anyway you look at it, it's time for "new" calipers and a serious look see at the slide pins. If you're doin' it yourself don't be cheap on the "brake" lube in all the right places!

 

X2

 

Same problem here. Mine lasted until 50k. The inside pads were completely worn and the outside pads were worn about 50%. I had a chance to look at the brakes working from beneath the car and it didn't look like the calipers were sticking. Also, the rotors showed no sign of any abnormal operation. Maybe a manufacture/design issue? I am curious to know exactly how many times this will be reported as front pads are changed by SS owners. BTW... the rear pads were evenly worn on both sides, as one would expect.

One thing I did notice was that there was no sign of any lubrication on the inner or outer pad backing or usual lube points on the OEM equipment. Could this be the culprit?

 

yup..my back ones are normal and still good to go. I would think, too, that a sticking caliper issue wouldn't happen on both sides. sounds more like issue in the system...

 

For more even wear you would have to lube the caliper pins and slides every few months. I lube mine when I rotate tires every 6 months. The factory might not use lube. Driving in wet conditions and washing the car washes out the lubricant. Since the piston is on the inside, it pushes that pad to the rotor then pulls the caliper over to pull the outer pad tight. The inside pad always wears faster on these but the more force it takes to slide the caliper in, the more the inside pad wears.

 

Hyundai is having this same problem on many of their cars in the northen states. Many are having failed brakes by 15,000 miles per dealer rep friend I have.

It happens and is just one of those things that under the right conditions it can happen on any car. It is the nature of a floating caliper if it sticks a little.

 

The design allows brake dust to accumulate on the caliper slide runner..(for lack of a better term)... That IMO causes the caliper not to grab evenly..

When calipers are removed, it would be prudent to thoroughly clean these & all areas &
even use a file, just to make sure they are smooth.. Then use appropriate grease & re-assemble..

(& only if you are familiar with brakes & their servicing) Otherwise seek a qualified tech..