Posted on 9/29/2026
The outside brake pad still has material left, but the pad behind the rotor is nearly gone. Or one end of a pad is noticeably thinner than the other. Those findings can surprise an owner who hasn't heard grinding and was expecting a simple pad replacement. Before installing new pads, you need to explain the uneven wear. A dragging piston, restricted slide movement, or a pad stuck in its bracket can each prevent even operation. The worn pad provides evidence, but its location alone isn't enough to decide what to replace. Start With the Type of Caliper Many passenger vehicles use a floating caliper. Its piston pushes one pad against the rotor while the caliper slides to apply the pad on the opposite side. The slides must move freely enough for both sides to apply and release as intended. A fixed caliper works differently, using pistons on both sides rather than the same floating arrangement. That distinction changes the diagnosis. Advice about stuck slide pin ... read more