Uneven brake pads

[Lap]

Hi. I have a 1990 8V. Had my brake caliper off at the weekend. Noticed that the inner brake pad (side closest to the engine) had twice as much material on it as the outer pad. When I checked the other side, it was the same. If it was just one side, I'd think the caliper had seized or the sliders were gunged up but surely not both sides the same?  Braking seems OK.

Anybody have any ideas what would cause this? Thanks. 

[Jay]

I *think* this is normal as the inside pad is thinner than the outside pad, I'm sure this was discussed a while ago...

[Leon R]

As Jay said, the inner pad (the one on the piston) wears quicker that the pad on the wheel side, purely because of the piston's direct force on the brake pad. However your fault seems to be the opposite from what i've read?

Noticed that the inner brake pad (side closest to the engine) had twice as much material on it as the outer pad.

Which is strange! Seems like the inner pad isn't having much of a braking effect whereas the outer pad is doing all the work?

Is it possible to get a picture up? Also when were the pads changed?

[Thom89]

Free off possible sticking calipers, fit new discs and pads.... also there's a possibility that the inner section of the brake flexi hoses is starting to break down, and not allowing the brake fluid to return in the direction of the master cylinder, when the foot brake is released (like trying to drink through a flattened drinking straw)  this can leave the system slightly under pressure, and cause premature pad wear!
Tom

[Lap]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll change the pads this weekend and grease up the sliders (if it ever stops raining) and keep an eye on it. If it still does it then I'll look to changing the brake pipe unless there is an easy way to check?

Leon R - Haven't got a pic yet but there's not much to see. The inner pad has about 10mm of material and the outer has about 4mm. Don't know when they were last changed. Only bought the car 3 months ago. 

[Steve_B]

previous owner swapped inner and outer pads?

[Jay]

Is it possible to fit them the wrong way round?  If so maybe that's what has happened?

[Lap]

Dunno  Maybe the previous owner did only change one pad on each side for whatever reason.

Jay - I'm not sure if you can get them the wrong way round. I would have thought you couldn't but I'll check.

[Leon R]

Sorry mate, I should have been less vague! A picture of the whole braking system with the pads out. I've seen non genuine pads corroding where it sits in the caliper carrier and get stuck. Also if the disc looks a bit blue on the outer side but not on the inner side, it may indicate overheating due to the pad not retracting.