Rear Brake Wear

[xd2005]

So when I got the oil changed on my 2007 Camry, the dealer indicated the rear brakes needed replacing. Simple enough job I can do myself and mileage is at 67,000, so seems reasonable. Although, I was a little surprised because I had seen them on one side just a few days before when changing a flat.

Anyway, I get the pads and replace them and realize that while the outside pads are barely worn (which is why I thought they looked ok when I glanced at them changing the tire), the inside ones are down to almost nothing. This is the same on both sides. How normal is this? It seems that shouldn't be the case, but I also would assume if something was wrong, it wouldn't be present on both sides.

Thanks.

[wadu1]

Sounds like a rotor problem and not trans versing the rails. I know older Tojo's had problems with caliper pistons made out of phenolic resin that would absorb water and swell.   

[dewandgin]

The slides on the calipers are more than likely sticking or stuck so the brakes are mainly using the one side to stop. See it a lot with 4wheels disc cars and trucks because 70% of the braking is done with the front brakes so the rears do move as much and have a tendency to stick or rust in to place.

[littlemac]

Looks like it may have been a design issue with the OEM pads.

I found this:

Toyota issused a Technical Service BULLETIN in 2007 entitled:"REAR BRAKE SQUEAK AND/OR PREMATURE PAD WEAR." This service bulletin advises that "Some 2007 – 2008 model year Camry and Camry HV customers may experience premature rear brake pad wear and/or rear brake noise when moving slowly (less than 10 mph [16 km/h]) with low pressure applied to the brake pedal. A new rear brake pad has been developed to reduce pad wear and/or rear brake squeak."

"Applicable Warranty*: This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date."

Also HERE is the PROBLEM: "Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint."...AND you must make the complaint before your car is out of warranty. I did not notice the uneven brake wear because Firestone did not bring it to my attention when they did their final inspection before the end of the warranty period.

So I had to fix the rear breaks on my own dime because I didn't notice the rear break noise before the 3 year/ 36,000 mile warrenty expired. I found out about the problem after a vehicle inspection at Firestone and after the rear brakes were replaced the brake pads were unevenly worn. 8/32's on one pad 1/32's on the other same for both sides. I still have the brake pads. Firestone will have to pay for the repairs that they failed to uncover in their inspection.

But Toyota should have issued a recall for this PREMATURE PAD WEAR. Toyota was obviously trying to push the defect onto unsuspecting owners of the 2007 Toyota Camry's affected by this problem.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Camry/2007/brakes/rear_brakes_wear_prematurely.shtml

[Woodchuck]

I would speculate that you have sticking caliper slides so they are not fully releasing on the one side. Usually can be fixed while changing the pads by lubing the slide pins with synthetic lubricant. You can buy it any parts hose, is specifically for brakes to put up with the potential heat. Just a thought. 

[jackelope]

I know nothing about Toyotas but it's not uncommon at all for me to see inner pads worn a lot faster than outers. Happens a lot. Definitely clean and lube the caliper slides. If anything's wrong, they might be sticking.

[xd2005]

Thanks. I'll see if I can get those slides lubed.

[xd2005]

Sorry...forgot about the Auto section. 

I took a couple comparison pics, thought I'd share.

[philepe]

Definitely the sliders/pins are a suspect.  But also the pistons could be sticking which means the caliper needs to be replaced unless you can find the parts to rebuild the caliper but good luck with finding the rebuild parts.  If the outboards pads were the thin pads definitely pins not lubricated would be the number one suspect, but since your problem is inboard pads you could also have caliper problems.

[xxlx7]

I would guess without looking at the vehicle your slide pins are sticking, toyota calipers don't sieze too often,  lube your slide pins, don't over grease them though. also since your pads are out make sure you lube your backing plate too so they don't squeel on you

[coachcw]

If the piston sticks you will wear both sides , it surley looks like a stuck slide pin.

[Kittman]

Slider pins are suspect, as well as the rubber slider boots if equipped.  In my opinion, the best option to consider is a rebuilt "Loaded" caliper set as a replacement.  The rationale is if the OEM had significant issues with a part, often the aftermarket rebuilders will address this during the rebuild process.

[FC]

If the piston sticks you will wear both sides , it surley looks like a stuck slide pin.

Best and most accurate assessment. The amount of difference in the wear you show there isn't even all that bad, very common with rear disc brakes.

[Kc_Kracker]

So when I got the oil changed on my 2007 Camry, the dealer indicated the rear brakes needed replacing. Simple enough job I can do myself and mileage is at 67,000, so seems reasonable. Although, I was a little surprised because I had seen them on one side just a few days before when changing a flat.

Anyway, I get the pads and replace them and realize that while the outside pads are barely worn (which is why I thought they looked ok when I glanced at them changing the tire), the inside ones are down to almost nothing. This is the same on both sides. How normal is this? It seems that shouldn't be the case, but I also would assume if something was wrong, it wouldn't be present on both sides.

Thanks.

XD when you have extreme uneven wear it means 1 of 2 things, either your caliper pistons are not fully retracting, or the sliders are not sliding nice and allowing the pads to move away.
one question, are these press in pistons or are they twist in pistons? feel free to pm me

[xd2005]

Press in. Process of what I need to do seems pretty clear, I just need to find the time to do it.