I changed my front brake pads for the first time today on my 2004 XJ8. I noticed that both outer pads had more material left (3.25 mm), while the inner pads were worn down almost to the base plate. Is this normal? Or, should this worry me?

-Sax

From front to back: Outer driver, inner driver, outer passenger, inner passenger. Front brake pads.

 

I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen pads that were worn exactly evenly in terms of inner-vs-outer. I don't think I have. Personally I wouldn't be alarmed in this case. If the difference was extreme, and/or a difference between LH and RH pads.... that would be a different story.

Let's hear what others have to say.

I'm not familiar with the calipers on your model but presumably they are 'sliding' type....most are.....so on general principles you want to make sure that they really are free to slide.

Cheers
DD

 

That doesn't look an excessive difference to me, based on forty-plus years of different cars (two Hyundais, a Mercedes, a Nissan, and three British Leyland).

 

New pads have about ?8mm of friction material on them so both pistons are

working and not siezed hence not too much to worry about and as Doug has said

just ensure the caliper is free to slide.

You can apply a little high melting point grease (copper grease) but keep it

off your hands.

 

Thanks, everybody. I cleaned the old grease off the slide pins and used a silicone lubricant. Pins were sliding great before and after. I did rear brake pads today. The inner and outer pad were more evenly worn compared to the front pads.

Hey Merion1, I and the wife have been watching Mad Men marathons. Spotted an Austin Healey in one of the episodes (season 6 or 7). What a beauty!

-Sax

 

I would not worry about the difference in brake wear, especially if the inners on both sides are wearing similarly. And the outers on both sides are wearing similarly. Copper based lubricant is a good way to go.

RyeJag

 

Nickle in the base is also available, & very good stuff.

 

They look very well worn and balanced to me. The only way to get nearly perfect wear is by having a pistons on both sides of the caliper. The insides will always wear quicker than the outsides, even more if the sliders are sticking at all.

 

Completely normal wear