[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Rear

Front (for comparison)

The above pictures are taken approximately two weeks after the last wash.

Could this be due to really bad quality brake pads in the rear? The rotors look and feel smooth, and there's no brake noise.

 

[supergordo]

Does it wash off? If so it could be a lower grade pads that makes a lot of dust. But at a glance it looks like the coating of the wheel is worn from age. Do all the wheels look the same when it's nice and clean?

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Does it wash off?

Yes, it washes off very easily. All wheels look the same when clean.

I was also worried that maybe the rear brakes don't release properly, so they are constantly wearing ever so slightly - is that a thing?

 

[XR7-4.6]

It's probably just what you thought, low grade pads.

 

[racecougar]

I was also worried that maybe the rear brakes don't release properly, so they are constantly wearing ever so slightly - is that a thing?

Are they dragging?

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Are they dragging?

Not that I can tell, no.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

@racecougar, but when I first bought the car, I had one situation that made me wonder if the rear brakes were too grabby:
Highway off ramp, wet surface, I was slowing down, and suddenly I felt the rear end sliding slightly. I released the brakes and countersteered; fortunately I had space ahead of me.

Back then, I ultimately attributed the situation to 12+ years old tires. Ironically, this happened on my way to buying new tires.

And no such thing occurred after I got the new tires.

 

[beechkid]

Rear
View attachment 52048

Front (for comparison)
View attachment 52049

The above pictures are taken approximately two weeks after the last wash.

Could this be due to really bad quality brake pads in the rear? The rotors look and feel smooth, and there's no brake noise.

Perhaps not lower grade but a material that puts off alot of dust.

 

[SUPERHAWK]

Rear
View attachment 52048


You had a inexperienced tire place. weight all over the wheel.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Rear
View attachment 52048


You had a inexperienced tire place. weight all over the wheel.

I know. Trust me, I complained. But I couldn't be bothered to have them do it again. But yeah, doesn't look right.

 

[Vicinity]

Today my brake pads finally started whining. I will need new pads. Anyone have recommendations? I don't know what calipers I have, they don't look stock.

Will the brake pads vary in how much grab they have? I like the gradient braking I have currently. One thing I do not like about driving newer cars is how fast they catch, which yes I realize that's probably a good thing

 

[racecougar]

Today my brake pads finally started whining. I will need new pads. Anyone have recommendations? I don't know what calipers I have, they don't look stock.

Will the brake pads vary in how much grab they have? I like the gradient braking I have currently. One thing I do not like about driving newer cars is how fast they catch, which yes I realize that's probably a good thing

What doesn’t appear stock about the calipers? Why not post a photo so that we can identify them? Yes, different brake pad compounds make a world of difference in performance.