I have a '79 F150 4wd and was wondering what would indicate a caliper needing replacement. I'm already going to replace everything on my rear brakes, they are completely trashed. However, the fronts seem OK, NO indications of leaks or seizing both sides of the rotors appear to be evenly "used" I guess. The inner pads do seem to be thicker than the outer pads is this normal?

Anything I should be specifically looking for before I have the rotors turned and put a new set of pads on?

 

BTW this truck sat for 14 years and I brought it home a month ago. I'm sure if one of the calipers wasn't gripping correctly there would be plenty of rust on the bad side's rotor.

 

I revived a thread that I asked to be deleted. I just completely edited it.

 

Don't take any of this as the gospel, more an opinion based on a little knowledge and experience............

Your driving experience should tell you a lot----sounds like all is fine, at least up front.

If you're showing even wear on both rotors, inside and outside I'd think those are okay. The fact it sat 14 years and none of the rubber parts disintegrated is somewhat amazing---I'd check the front brake hoses as they might be dangerously dry rotted. Of course if the front components are OEM they might have been good enough quality to have lasted this long and perhaps a bit longer too. If this were my truck though I'd change calipers since Ford now sells reman'd units for less than $60 each ($70 each core charge), unloaded. OEM pads too but hoses from CarQuest or anyone else who sells USA made parts---typically less than $25 each, OEM's upwards of $90 each. Yikes!!

Check the caliper slide bolts---replace if they're rusted or corroded and can't be cleaned. The rubber seals might have disintegrated--Ford's caliper bolts are about $10 each side, complete kits.

I don't know I'd have the rotors turned if they're not warped or giving you any problems now. Existing pad wear should tell you a lot--I'm not sure if the inner/outer wear differences you notice is normal or something to be concerned about though. Hopefully someone with a bit more experience can give you better insight into this.

Anyway sounds like you've got it mostly under control----hope its an easy repair!

 

Thanks! I'll remove the calipers completely and look them over real well and decide what to do. I'll check the lines really well too. The rotors look in good shape but are wavier than a Ruffles Potato Chip, they probably have never been turned so I'll do it anyway.

I guess I get the Ford re-manufactured units at the dealership, right?

 

Yes--reman'd from the stealership---I'm guessing or hoping you get some sort of trade discount through your outlet of choice? I quoted you my discounted rate but it doesn't take a lot to receive my type of discount---I have my own business and run everything through it but do have them add sales tax (I'm exempt for purchases that will be resold or installed on customer's vehicles.)

I'd suggest tossing the rotors in the recycle bin and check a local Advance Auto for their USA made rotors. If your's are too Ruffle-like there's no sense in turning them, might not even be turnable. These days for the money replacing them is easier than having them turned. Get new bearing and wheel seals too, don't forget to pack the bearings before installation though!

Sounds like you've got it mostly in hand then----hope it goes easy and not one stuck bolt or frozen bleeder valve!