What causes uneven brake pad wear?

[atchisbr]

Just completed a full rotor/pad change on my wife's 2000 Alero. When I changed the front left set one of the pads was completely shot (the pad with the wear indicator) but the other was almost perfect. I then changed the other 3 wheels and noticed that all the pads were almost perfect.

So, it appears that the only pad on the entire car to take a beating was the one of the front left with the indicator.

Any clue what might cause this uneven wear? Is the brake system just using the front left for most of the braking?

Bryan

[GTP Dad]

The problem lies with a sticking caliper. You will either need to rebuild it or replace it with a reman unit. Costs about $60 to $100 depending on the year. Once the caliper is changed the entire braking system should be as good as new.

[atchisbr]

So just replace the Left Driver side caliper (the one that has the uneven wear) and that should fix it?

Thanks!

[jd-autotech]

the most common problem is usally the slide pins not being lubed properly but could be a caliper or even a caliper hose

[GTP Dad]

Replacing the caliper should correct the problem. Make sure to lube everything well with brake lube. The slides and mounting bolts where the calipers move and you should eliminate the issue.

[plcedziu]

I have the same problem with my 2000 Alero, but the second time I replaced the caliper, took apart a sticky caliper slide, thoroughly cleaned it, regreased it, and put everything back on. Two months later, the same problem exists. Now what is it? Same drivers side outer front pad going in 2 months.