What Causes Uneven Brake Pad Wear?

[DiJosephine]

The reasons for uneven brake pad wear (one thick and one thin) are: 1. Insufficient single-side braking or single-side dragging; 2. Imbalanced force distribution between left and right wheels, inconsistent brake caliper return; 3. Unequal length of brake fluid lines. Brake pads work by utilizing friction between the brake pads and brake drum, as well as between tires and the ground, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy through friction to stop the vehicle. Brake pad replacement method: 1. Open the engine compartment to check brake fluid level height to prevent overflow during replacement; 2. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 3. Remove the brake caliper bolts and take out the brake pads; 4. Install new brake pads, tighten the guide bolts, and complete the replacement.

[RoseAnn]

I remember my car's brake pads once had uneven wear—one thick and one thin, which really scared me! The mechanic later explained that the caliper piston was stuck, unable to distribute force evenly, causing the thinner pad to wear more. This was likely due to rusted or insufficiently lubricated guide pins, preventing the piston from retracting properly. Additionally, warped or uneven brake rotors can accelerate this uneven wear. My driving habits sometimes involve heavy braking, and I neglected regular inspections. It's recommended to service the brake system every 5,000 km or six months, cleaning and lubricating the guide pins to avoid misalignment risks. Safety comes first—addressing issues early is always better than waiting for an emergency. Don’t skimp on thorough inspections; investing in high-quality parts now beats regret later.

[VonColin]

Having worked in car repairs for over a decade, I've encountered many cases of uneven brake pad wear. The root cause is usually poor caliper retraction—either stuck pistons causing uneven pressure or damaged guide pins where rust leads to imbalanced braking force distribution. Warped or excessively worn brake rotors can also trigger similar issues. In daily driving, frequent hard braking tends to overload one side, accelerating pad wear. I recommend owners inspect brake components every three months, especially cleaning guide pins with professional lubricant to extend service life. If abnormal wear is spotted, address it promptly to maintain braking distance and vehicle stability—critical for safer long-distance trips.

[DeManuel]

Uneven brake pad wear can be deadly! In driver accident cases I've encountered, this was caused by stuck caliper pistons. A seized piston only pushes on one side, causing premature wear on the thin pad. Issues with guide pins, such as rust, are often the culprit. Or uneven brake rotors leading to imbalanced friction. Drivers habitually slamming on brakes also adds to the problem. Regular maintenance is key, ideally checked quarterly. Untimely repairs can cause braking deviation, making loss of control likely on slippery roads. Safety first - early repairs are insurance.

[LeAddyson]

During car modification, I found that uneven brake pad wear is mainly caused by caliper piston retraction issues or stuck guide pins. Uneven piston force application leads to faster wear on one side. Warped brake rotors or low-quality installation components also contribute significantly. When optimizing the brake system, I always emphasize using high-quality guide pins and proper lubrication to prevent rust-induced unevenness. In terms of driving habits, reducing hard braking frequency lowers risks. Routine maintenance shouldn't overlook cleaning these components - biannual inspections suffice. Balanced braking performance ensures reliability and improves cornering stability.