on my front brakes, there are these small metal tabs that have started to contact the rotor (i think). when i first heard it, i thought that the wheel bearings were on their way out, but inspected it and it's definitely the tabs. i bent the ones on the left side back and then a few months later, the right side is making the same noise. my question is, are these wear indicators or something else? my brakes feel absolutely fine.

 

yes they are wear indicators!

 

i always thought that the indicators were in the pad itself. i guess it varies from brand to brand?

 

yea thats what i thought too. The Autozone/advance pads have the metal tabs. I dont remember if the toyota ones do or not.

 

just thought i'd add... the noise is all the time, not just when i apply the brakes. if the wheels are turning, the metallic noise is present. applying the brakes doesn't change the noise at all.

 

maybe theres a rock stuck in it? i say pull wheels and the caliper off w/o disconnecting the brake lines and take a looksy

 

they gotta be wear indicators. there's no other reason that they would be there.

 

Is your caliper working OK? The pad on top (outside) looks WAY thicker than the one on the bottom (inside). The bottom pad appears to be worn down to the backing plate, while the top one isn't even past the groove.

Have somebody step on the brakes while you are holding the caliper like in the photo, make sure both pads move equally.

 

Those are the indicators.
Pads look even to me.
Time for new ones d00d.

 

hey, it does look that way. i never noticed that. i was just concerned with the metal tabs and wanted to get it back together before it got dark. i guess i'll have to take it off again and inspect closer. thanks for pointing it out.

what do you guys think of changing pads without having the rotors machined? i know it's not recommended, but is it absolutely necessary?

 

If the indicators are causing the noise you will see scratches in the rotor surface.You can see that thru the wheel without even taking the wheel off.You need to inspect your brakes every time you rotate tires.Mine has 20,000 miles on it and I still have about half the thicknesss of a new pad.If you tow a heavy trailer inspect often.

 

You definately need new pads from that pic.
Don't forget to turn the rotors too before the new ones go on.

 

uhoh. i started replacing the pads today. i pulled off the drivers side first. pic above is of the passenger side. the inside pad has practicaly zero percent while the outside pad has a good 60% left. looks like the passenger side could be the same. why is this? faulty calipers? truck only has 165,000 kms (not miles). pads are original, or at least toyota brand.

 

you need to clean and lube your caliper sliders. You will always have slightly differing amounts of wear between the sides of the pasts due to pysical geometry but it shouldn't bee that much.

 

would you write these calipers off or should i try to lube em and hope for the best?

 

I would try lubing them. if the calipers are seized then you would go through a set of brake pads quickly as they would always be on. If the pads are older and you braking has felt normal, then you can probably just get away with lubing them. besides a new set of pads (if the calipers are siezed) is a lot cheaper then the new calipers. To me it doesn't sound like they are seized, just dirty ans not sliding smoothly.

 

ok sounds good. how exactly do i lube them and using what?

 

the sliders are typically covered with the little rubber boot. Call the local parts store to find the best product for lubing them. You will want to lube them anywhere they need to slide. I know they slide on the rods covered by the boot, I can't remeber if there is another place on the truck. When you talk to the parts store (not canadian tire, they won't know) ask them, they may be able to help. You should also ask them if you need to lube the caliper piston or not. Hope this helps

 

Checking the calipers is pretty easy - while you have them off, have someone stand on the brakes an make sure all the pistons move out the same amount and then back in when they let off the brakes.