roadrunner777
Full Member
2002 AV Z71 1500 4x4
Option code for brakes: JC5 Brake Vac Power, 4-Wheel Disc, 7,200 lb -- also option G80 locking diff
17" wheels
So, first of all, I apologize now, I suspect this info is somewhere in other threads or just obvious to some. I had a very early long workday, and I'm a little braindead.
Here's the thing: I started getting minor noise from the rear that I recognize as most likely worn out brake pads. It's a light grinding noise, it starts on braking and then quiets down as I continue to drive. It just started this morning.
I looked through the spokes in the wheel, and the rear discs look good from the outside. I'll get into this more tomorrow, get some light in there, try to get a visual on the inside disc surfaces, but I mean, I know it's gonna be new pads, that's fine. I just looked at a YouTube on the job, and it's easy, other than dragging my monster floor jack through the snow, and all that. I lost count of the disk brake jobs I have done... it's north of 50 for sure.
But my mystery is this: The discs have a considerable outside margin, like maybe 1/2 inch, where the brake pads are not contacting. It is as though the disks are a little larger than designed for the pads. Ok, so I go look online for rear brake pads, and there are apparently 2 designs, one longer and maybe more narrow than the other. So, my tired brain is saying, buy the longer narrow ones, but I'd love to get confirmation and some explanation on how this could be.
I do not have a second vehicle available, and I'd really like to figure out which pads I need, and get them before I start tearing things down. Maybe I should buy both and return the wrong ones... LOL
Also, a more general question: I have no idea what kind of pads are on the front, but they are relatively new by previous owner. I will have to choose between organic and ceramic pads for the rear, with unknown fronts. Given unknown front pad type, which should I go for? I guess, moneywise, I'd rather go organic, cash is tight at the moment... but if that's a disaster, I'll find the extra money for ceramics. Thoughts?
And, I guess while I am bothering you with this, one other question: I have been getting intermittent brake sensation like the ABS is activating, on clean dry pavement. Maybe 1 stop in 20. Ideas on that?
Again, I'm truly sorry to ask about things that are probably already here. If it's any consolation, I'm planning on becoming a supporting member with some extra cash coming in January.
Thank you for your thoughts and patience. I'm going to keep reading threads, maybe I'll find it and if so, I'll mark this solved.
~RR
Edit: So, having learned a few things, I checked and now know my rear calipers have two pistons each. And, for that, you want the long and narrow pads. I guess someone installed single pad rotors... they fit and work, they just don't utilize the entire braking surface. So, I think I am peace with this. I did trip over a single comment that the rotor surface offset may be different, but I'm not going to address this until I need new rotors, which hopefully will be never. I may get the parts guy to drag out one of each type rotor just to see if there is really an offset difference.
I'm still interested in organic vs ceramic where the front pads are an unknown type, and thoughts on unexpected ABS activation...
Thanks!
~RR
Option code for brakes: JC5 Brake Vac Power, 4-Wheel Disc, 7,200 lb -- also option G80 locking diff
17" wheels
So, first of all, I apologize now, I suspect this info is somewhere in other threads or just obvious to some. I had a very early long workday, and I'm a little braindead.
Here's the thing: I started getting minor noise from the rear that I recognize as most likely worn out brake pads. It's a light grinding noise, it starts on braking and then quiets down as I continue to drive. It just started this morning.
I looked through the spokes in the wheel, and the rear discs look good from the outside. I'll get into this more tomorrow, get some light in there, try to get a visual on the inside disc surfaces, but I mean, I know it's gonna be new pads, that's fine. I just looked at a YouTube on the job, and it's easy, other than dragging my monster floor jack through the snow, and all that. I lost count of the disk brake jobs I have done... it's north of 50 for sure.
But my mystery is this: The discs have a considerable outside margin, like maybe 1/2 inch, where the brake pads are not contacting. It is as though the disks are a little larger than designed for the pads. Ok, so I go look online for rear brake pads, and there are apparently 2 designs, one longer and maybe more narrow than the other. So, my tired brain is saying, buy the longer narrow ones, but I'd love to get confirmation and some explanation on how this could be.
I do not have a second vehicle available, and I'd really like to figure out which pads I need, and get them before I start tearing things down. Maybe I should buy both and return the wrong ones... LOL
Also, a more general question: I have no idea what kind of pads are on the front, but they are relatively new by previous owner. I will have to choose between organic and ceramic pads for the rear, with unknown fronts. Given unknown front pad type, which should I go for? I guess, moneywise, I'd rather go organic, cash is tight at the moment... but if that's a disaster, I'll find the extra money for ceramics. Thoughts?
And, I guess while I am bothering you with this, one other question: I have been getting intermittent brake sensation like the ABS is activating, on clean dry pavement. Maybe 1 stop in 20. Ideas on that?
Again, I'm truly sorry to ask about things that are probably already here. If it's any consolation, I'm planning on becoming a supporting member with some extra cash coming in January.
Thank you for your thoughts and patience. I'm going to keep reading threads, maybe I'll find it and if so, I'll mark this solved.
~RR
Edit: So, having learned a few things, I checked and now know my rear calipers have two pistons each. And, for that, you want the long and narrow pads. I guess someone installed single pad rotors... they fit and work, they just don't utilize the entire braking surface. So, I think I am peace with this. I did trip over a single comment that the rotor surface offset may be different, but I'm not going to address this until I need new rotors, which hopefully will be never. I may get the parts guy to drag out one of each type rotor just to see if there is really an offset difference.
I'm still interested in organic vs ceramic where the front pads are an unknown type, and thoughts on unexpected ABS activation...
Thanks!
~RR