Uneven Brake Pad Wear on Front Pads?

[SeattleX5]

Hello,

I just got the Check Brake Lining's Light and the Red BRAKE Warning light.

Went out to figure out what set was bad. Sure enough it was my front pads.

Here's the interesting thing, Driver Front is about 1/3 left, but the Passenger Front is pretty much gone!

Could it be a frozen caliper on the passenger side? I'm thinking of doing the pads and rotors DIY, so want to order a caliper first...

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[blktoptrvl]

I would also check to see if there is any oil or greese on the driver side disk.

[JCL]

If it was a frozen caliper, you would have had pulling on the steering wheel when applying the brakes. Same if there was grease on the disk.

It is most likely that the calipers are not sliding smoothly in the caliper mounts, or that the pads are hanging up slightly and dragging. A proper brake job that includes looking at how clean all the slides are should be sufficient.

While you could dive into the calipers, I would wait to see if they push back smoothly before doing anything more on them. If you have been changing the brake fluid every two years as per the maintenance schedule, you should be fine; if not, you have reason to suspect the calipers.

Also, it is entirely normal for the curb side brakes to wear out somewhat faster than the other side, as there is often grit and dirt on the side of the road that the tires pick up and which contribute to the wear. This isn't common in the southern (warmer) states, but it is common anywhere that sand and gravel get applied to the road in winter (Washington state qualifies).

[Weasel]

couldn't have said it better myself! Just remember, BMW does not recommend greasing the caliper slide bolts, simply cleaning them thoroughly and reassemble clean and dry. But it is always a good idea to throw some anti-seize on the centering hub to keep the rims from sticking from corrosion. But if you do grease the slides, it won't be the end of the world, and I promise not to tell