Brake pads that break... not a spelling error :|

[edpdx]

My M1009 Blazer started squealing in the front passenger pad the other day. I hoped it would go away because I just put in new pads 2 weeks ago. Two days later, they were still at it.

I pulled the squealers out and found this. The brake pads were literally falling apart. There was a hairline crack in one pad and the backing plates were either completely off or on their way to coming off.

I never saw anything like it before. These pads were BrakeBest® Select from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Geez, I remember a time when you only had to worry about the one side of the pad wearing away. If it was one pad, it could be a production error that got by them. Two pads... a fluke? Three pads are not a qualijty Control Issue, no, it's bad R&D, bad engineering, lack of testing. It tells me all I need to know about this brand from that store.

Lucky for me I have two sets for the Camaro, C20 pickup, and Elcamino in my driveway YES they all use the SAME PADS! . I put on a set of DLG from AZ. I also have some brand I have not seen in a long time. Made in the USA in tENNESSEE. i BETTER SAVE EM.

 

[barefootin]

Yep... I've seen it numerous times over the years... As recently as last month with a pair of ceramic pads with less than 6K miles on them for a Saab 9-3. I lost one on the inboard pad on the rear of my Land Rover two years ago... At least it was just squeaking and you didn't lose it causing a caliper piston or two to contact the rotor or worse come out of the pot as your vacating all the fluid from the master cylinder.... Chock it up to crappy quality control which seems to be an ever growing issue on replacement parts....

 

[cucvrus]

I have to ask. Have you ever replaced the front brake calipers and the slide bolts? If not do yourself a favor and do it. They are 30 years old and they do not retract as easily they once did. The brakes were probably partially on and over heated and that is what caused the brake pad failure. The calipers are less then $25. each and are warranted for life. Do the rear wheel cylinder's while you are at it and the master cylinder. Flush the entire system. It will all cost less then $125. and be well worth it. Been there done that.

 

[acesneights1]

Cheap chinese made parts. As I type this my VW lost a lining off the pad just today and they are a month old.
Very hard to find decent pats these days. Try another brand.

 

[edpdx]

I have to ask. Have you ever replaced the front brake calipers and the slide bolts? If not do yourself a favor and do it. They are 30 years old and they do not retract as easily they once did. The brakes were probably partially on and over heated and that is what caused the brake pad failure. The calipers are less then $25. each and are warranted for life. Do the rear wheel cylinder's while you are at it and the master cylinder. Flush the entire system. It will all cost less then $125. and be well worth it. Been there done that.

I never changed the calipers and the rubber seals do look like original. I ordered a set of calipers from NAPA and will try to get them on tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.

 

[cucvrus]

At the risk of being a ranter. I would go back and change the 2 rear wheel cylinders pull the axles and do axle seals while you have the brake calpiers off. And a new master cylinder. That way you have the whole brake system covered. While you are at it crawl underneath the passengers side frame rail and look at the metal hydralic brake lines from the mid ship area to the point where the metal line connects to the rubber hose at the rear axle. It it appears rusty now is the time to address that also. It is good preventive maintenance that keeps these truck running at this point in time. I know how it is when it breaks down and you need it now. The rear wheel cylinders are - $10.x 2 master cylinder -$30. axle seals -$5. x 2 and then some other minor lube and gasket costs and you know what you have. And you can keep on rollin down the trail/highway and enjoy your CUCV. It always works for us.