Rear Brake Advise ... HELP!

[bankerjohn]

On the drive yestreday from my house in NC, to my daughter's home in Richmond, VA, I began hearing a scraping sound from the rear brakes. Upon arrival, I see that the outer pad on the driver's side is GONE ... and the rotor is starting to get scored.

Problem is ... today is Sunday ... and tomorrow is a holiday ... and most service places are closed. My question is ... if I simply replace the rear pads (without dealing with the rotors) ... should I be able to get back home SAFELY without additional damage?

[new echo owner]

How bad is the scoring? If the caliper is not sticking, the worst that would happen may only be the pad wearing a little uneven until it wears in. In fact, most of the time, if you don't have any issue with you brake performance, like pulsation, you can get away with just pad replacement.

Can you take a pict of the rotor?

N.E.O.

[bankerjohn]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

How bad is the scoring? If the caliper is not sticking, the worst that would happen may only be the pad wearing a little uneven until it wears in. In fact, most of the time, if you don't have any issue with you brake performance, like pulsation, you can get away with just pad replacement.

Can you take a pict of the rotor?

N.E.O.

I don't believe the scoring is that deep (so far). I would take a picture and post it, but the rotor is pretty rusted looking ... as we had rain last night ... so I don't think you could see much. I ran my fingernail across the surface that is scored, and it doesn't seem too bad, as can't feel any real grooves yet.

When I first heard the noise yesterday, I made a real effort NOT to use my brakes any more than absolutely necesary.

[new echo owner]

Slight rust on the rotor after parking over night outside is normal especially after it rain. Scoring on disc brake is not uncommon even with brakes that are operating perfectly. What you would be looking for is dull color scoring, which is due to metal to metal contact between the rotor and the metal backing of the pad. If it is shinny, you may not have anything to worry about, as long as the caliper is sliding freely on the pins.

By the way, how does the rotor in question compare with the other rotors?

N.E.O.

[bankerjohn]

The "bad" rotor looks virtually like the others ... I'm feeling more comfortable with just replacing the pads ... at least until I get back home.

Just got back from the parts place ... the parts guys said he never saw such small pads ... they are "tiny".

Wish me luck ... it's probably been at least 6 or 8 years since I last replaced any pads. Got to remember to check the reservoir on the master cylinder as I push the cyclinders back into the piston ... so I don't end up with brake fluid all over the engine compartment!

[new echo owner]

Sounds like you caught it just in time. On your car, majority of the braking is done by the front, probably around 80% since all the weight will be tranfered to the front when braking, so they don't need much brakes from the back, hence the smallish pads.

Don't forget the lubricant for the pads at the right place, between the shims and where they come in contact with the mounting bracket. Otherwise, you might have to deal with the squeaking.

Good Luck,

N.E.O.

[bankerjohn]

Thanks for the moral support N.E.O. ... pads went on without a hitch. Put "high performance ceramic disc pad" grease on the bolts ... neglected the pads though. I can live with a little sqeaking as long as the brakes work. Took it for a test drive ... all seems to be back to normal ... no scratching or squeaking (at least for now). Glad I didn't try to drive back to NC without replacing them!

[new echo owner]

Glad to hear you got it going again!

N.E.O.