I have a 05 Pontiac Sunfire has 43,000 miles on it. My front left brake pad is wore down to the indicator, but my right front pad is fine. What happened? And... Can I change one side or should I go ahead and do both?
2007-07-17 06:58:33 · 6 answers · asked by Windchill Consultant 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Some braking systems apply more pressure on the front left pad b/c the master cylinder on those vehicles lead to it first....however I doubt that is your problem b/c your vehicle is an '05.
You're supposed to replace both brake pads at once. They're usually sold as pairs (4 pads) anyways, but if there isn't much wear at all on your right brake then it would be more economical to just change out the left. Especially if you're just going to need to change the left again.
Most importantly, have a mechanic look at your brakes so you can determine the problem. One place you don't want to skimp on a vehicle is with the brakes. If they fail, you have the potential for serious and possibly fatal problems.
2007-07-17 07:13:22 · answer #1 · answered by afk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brakes should always be done in pairs, both front together, and both back together. There is wear on the right side, but it is not as obvious as the left. What could have happened is the seals in the caliper went bad, there could be water or air in the brake line, alignment could be off, the tire could have been low on pressure for a long time, or the pads were just bad.
2007-07-17 14:03:44 · answer #2 · answered by Rich 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The left front caliper is probably hanging up and not returning to the position where the pad is not in contact ( or very lightly ) with the rotor. If you aren't familiar with brake repair, take it to a reputable shop for repair. The calipers "float" on pins..... if these pins are corroded, it will prevent the caliper from releasing back to a neutral position. These pins should be greased with silicone grease to keep them moving smoothly.
2007-07-17 14:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by dathinman8 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is not uncommon whoever changed the pads last time did not turn the rotors. Replace the bad side and get the rotor turned so it will last as it is supposed too....Good Luck
PS if it hasn't been pulling to one side then all the other parts are okay. Watch who you listen to in here a lot of these people are idiots.
2007-07-17 14:06:13 · answer #4 · answered by Big Deall 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've found that the car's right front (passenger side) most often wears more thant the left front.
Yes, you should replace both sides at the same time.
2007-07-17 14:05:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should always do both.
It's most likely you have a sticking/stuck calilper on the left side.
2007-07-17 14:03:13 · answer #6 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋