This week we will continue from where we left off last week in our Blog post which is dealing with front wheel brake inspections and how to properly perform them.
Step 17 After removing the sliding caliper mounting pin, inspect it carefully. This pin has adequate lubrication on it; it is not rusty or corroded and can be simply wiped down, lubricated and reinstalled.
Step 18 On this style of caliper once the lower pin is removed, the caliper can be swung upward and slid back off the other mounting pin. If you cannot easily swing the caliper upward, check why. Movement should be smooth and easy.
Step 19 Note that the second caliper pin does not have to be unscrewed from the caliper. Also, inspect this pin for corrosion, lubrication and proper alignment.
Step 20 Whenever you remove a caliper, carefully inspect the piston’s dust boot. Don’t just glance at it. Run you finger around the bellows of the boot looking for tears or cracks. Any tear or through crack should mandate caliper replacement as contaminates will have gotten into the
piston’s bore area.
Step 21 Inspect the flexible brake hose for cracks, deterioration, twisting or abrasion wear. Hoses do not just leak; they can fail for the above reasons also without leaking.
Step 22 Always support the caliper by hanging it from a hook or wire that is carrying the weight of the caliper. Do not just place it on top of the upper control arm and hope that it will stay there during brake service.
Step 23 With the caliper removed, you can now remove and inspect the pads and pad installation hardware.
Step 24 What is shown is fairly normal for a vehicle driven in a rust belt area. Rusty shims and corrosion is to be expected. This shims effectiveness has been decreased because of its rusted condition. 
Step 25 Unlike the other pad on this wheel this shim has maintained it integrity fairly well. There is very little rust and scale between the shim and pad metal backing. 
Step 26 Always check used pads for taper wear. If one end of the pad is worn more than the other, it is an indication of a caliper slide issue. When you find a pad or both pads with taper wear, you find frozen caliper slides or pads restricted in their mounting ear area.
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