Top 6 Reasons for Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Here are the six most common causes of uneven brake pad wear on both sides of the vehicle.

1 - Rotor Thickness Variation

Rotor thickness variation is a mechanical term that refers to when a vehicle's rotors have different thickness levels. Whenever the thickness level of the rotor changes, it will cause the brake pads to wear more quickly.

The rotors will have more flat points of contact with the brake pads. Once they do, the brake pads will wear unevenly in that corner of the vehicle.

2 - Sticky Caliper Pistons

If you have debris or rust on one or more of your pistons, it can cause the brake calipers to stick. This means that the pistons will not slide properly, causing the brake pads to make constant contact with their corresponding rotors.

A stuck brake caliper will cause the brake pad material to run out faster than other materials.

3 - Misalignment 

Sometimes when you install new brake pads in your vehicle, the mechanic may not be able to align them evenly, sometimes due to a bent bracket on the back of the pad. Whenever your brake pads are not aligned, it can cause them to wear unevenly during your braking activities.

You should notice this problem for a few days after getting new brake pads that are not aligned. Once you start experiencing braking problems, you'll wonder why the pads were already working when you first replaced them.

Well, it's because the pads are wearing unevenly because they are not aligned properly in the caliper.

4 - Dirty or Rusty Rotors

Dirty rotors are definitely one of the possible causes of uneven brake pad wear. These do not need to be old rotors either.

Sometimes, when new rotors are installed on a vehicle, there may still be dirt or grease from the installation process. The rotors need to be cleaned with a formulated brake cleaner to ensure that this debris is removed.

When you purchase new rotors, they usually come with a coating similar to gray paint to protect against rust. While this can be removed with brake cleaner, it is not necessary. Normal brake operation will remove this coating when the pads come in contact with the rotors.

5 - Warped Rotors

A warped rotor means that its surface is not completely smooth, but slightly distorted or wavy. This usually occurs when cold water comes in contact with a burning rotor.

When your rotor is bent, the pads are only in contact with the high point of the rotor, while the other pads are in full contact. This causes uneven pad wear.

This is why you shouldn't immediately spray water on your wheels and start washing your car immediately after some energetic driving. You want to make sure the rotors have had enough time to cool down, so they are warm to the touch rather than hot.

To be sure, simply place your hand a few inches away from the rotors. If you feel hot, wait a few minutes before using the water.

6 - Different types of brake pads

It is important to be consistent with the type of brake pads installed in your brake system. Do not use different brands or materials of brake pads, as they may wear at different rates and have completely different life spans.

If you keep the same type and thickness in your brake pads, then you will have a better chance of them wearing evenly.