Short life of brake pads, problems?

[Z2TT]

Hi,

My previous set of pads only lasted about 5000km until they got down to the wear indicator. I'm wondering what could cause this, could the calipers be frozen and what ways is there to check?

When I had the calipers out I checked the sliding bushes to see if they move in and out by pushing them with my finger and they move. Also I lubricated the sliding pin/bolt with grease when i put the calipers back in.

Thanks.

[jimmmayyy]

check disc runout.

[NME308]

Check size of activation shoe within cabin?

Cheers,
Jason

[Z2TT]

Activation shoe in cabin wasn't too harsh

[TERRA Operative]

Check that the pistons are returning after application. Check that the wheels turn freely when the brakes are off.

[TRD-12A]

Are the pads wearing evenly or uneven??

[maurice c]

How long since you got the discs machined? I used to replace the front pads on my Camry every few months until I got a new set of discs, they looked pretty good to the eye though. New set of discs in there and problem solved.

[allencr]

If the caliper's slides aren't working right, there will be a big difference in the wear rate between the two, the piston side will release pressure & run free, while the other side would be in continuous contact with the disk, heating up & wearing down. The pads would wear exactly the same amount if there wasn't a little drag in the slide, and that outside one usually seems to be thinner & rougher from road dirt & stuff.

If the piston is stuck, dragging, that wheel won't rotate very freely, that wheel will feel very hot if you put your hand near it after a drive with low brake usage and that wheel will give off a harsh smell & smoke.

[Z2TT]

When i had the calipers out I pushed the sliding bushings in and out and they move, not sure how easily they should move but requires a little effort to push them.

I thought though that the springs on the pads were what is supposed to stop the pads from dragging.