How to Diagnose Premature Pad Wear on RWD and FWD

April 14, 2021

If there is one thing we all want our brakes to do, it's for them to last. Because there are many different types of vehicles, this post will specifically focus on RWD and FWD vehicles. For other brake pads, consider checking out one of our other blogs, here is a link to premature inboard pad wear.

RWD and FWD Problems

Because each vehicle is unique, the cause of the pad wear will be based on the type of pad wear that is taking place and the configuration of the brake system.

Premature wear of the outboard pad is caused when the outboard pad is not allowed to release off of the rotor properly after the brake pedal is released. Below, we've posted several pictures to help you figure out what might be causing wear on your system.

Front to Rear Split Hydraulic System

Piston Sticking (Symptom: Drag)
Brake Hose on Side With Problem With Check Valve Condition (Symptom: Drag)
Brake Hose Opposite Side With Problem Restricted (Symptom: Pull to Side With Pad Wear)
Hydraulic Restriction Higher Than Brake Hose on Side With Pad Wear Not Allowing Release of Pressure (i.e. ABS Modulator)

Images for Front to Rear Split Hydraulic Systems (RWD)

Piston Sticking (Symptom: Drag)

Brake hose on side with check valve problem

Brake Hose on Side With Check Valve Condition (Symptom: Drag)

Brake hose with rusted bracket

Brake Hose Opposite Side With Problem Restricted (Symptom: Pull to Side With Pad Wear)

Hydraulic Restriction Higher than Brake Hose on Side With Pad Wear Not Allowing Release of Preassure. (i.e. ABS Modulator)

Diagonal Split Hydraulic System

Piston Sticking (Symptom: Drag)
Brake Hose on Side With Problem With Check Valve Condition (Symptom: Drag)
Brake Hose Opposite Side With Problem Restricted (Symptom - Pull to Side With Pad Wear)
Hydraulic Restriction Higher Than Brake Hose on Side With Pad Wear Not Allowing Release of Pressure (i.e. ABS Modulator)
Air in Opposite Hydraulic Circuit Than Side With Wear