Odd Rear brake wear - need help!

[MooseMan]

I bought and installed front and rear brake rotors and pads from Pep Boys back in November. I'm noticing that the rear brakes are wearing really oddly - there's a 3/8" rim of rust around the outer edge of the brake. I think the last pair did this too but I'm looking at other cars and their brakes and mine is the only one that is this bad!

To make matters worse I have this terrible occasional squeal from the rear brakes as I'm driving. If I brake - it goes away. I popped the tire a few weeks ago and checked out the pads - they look fine. But the clips that install on the back of the pad are in terrible shape (flaky rusty) - and I didn't get new ones when I installed the brakes.

The splotch on the caliper is a little grease I tried to squeeze between the caliper and the back of the pad to see if it would cut the noise - and it did.

Any suggestions about the odd wear or the squeal?

This Scooby is an '02 with about 61,000 on it.

Thanks!

[devilfluff]

I bought and installed front and rear brake rotors and pads from Pep Boys back in November. I'm noticing that the rear brakes are wearing really oddly - there's a 3/8" rim of rust around the outer edge of the brake. I think the last pair did this too but I'm looking at other cars and their brakes and mine is the only one that is this bad!

The rust rim is an area where there is no contact between the pad and rotor. It's possible that the pad is a little smaller than OE, or because the shim is worn and re-used, the pad may be slightly cocked and missing that section. Either way, unless you are willing to replace the pads again there isn't much you can do about it.

[MooseMan]

Thanks for the note. Both sides are like this so even if the shim is worn the pads are probably a bit small.

Do you know if this is normal for WRX's? The squeal is bothering me enough that I would consider pulling the brakes, having them turned and putting new pads and clips on (I'm guessing the squeal is the clip rubbing becuase it is no longer totally secure).

The rust rim is an area where there is no contact between the pad and rotor. It's possible that the pad is a little smaller than OE, or because the shim is worn and re-used, the pad may be slightly cocked and missing that section. Either way, unless you are willing to replace the pads again there isn't much you can do about it.

[devilfluff]

Thanks for the note. Both sides are like this so even if the shim is worn the pads are probably a bit small.

Do you know if this is normal for WRX's? The squeal is bothering me enough that I would consider pulling the brakes, having them turned and putting new pads and clips on (I'm guessing the squeal is the clip rubbing becuase it is no longer totally secure).

You could try one of the anti-squeal chemicals first... They can be bought at any part store. You'll have to take your brakes apart, to apply them but it's a cheaper option to try before replacing them.

There is at least one brand that applies to the back of the pad's metal backing plate. IMO its worth a shot.

As far as noise, I use Ferrodo 2500 race brakes and get some minor squeal at very light application, but I don't hear any noise at free-wheel or when applying any significant presure.