Brake is scraping - how far can I drive before fixing?

Hello, I have a 1993 Camry with 215k miles. Yesterday, the driver's side front brake began making an unpleasant scraping noise when the brakes were applied. The brakes are getting to the age where they need to be replaced, but this is the first time the brake has made any kind of noise. There are tiny metal shavings where the pad touches the rotor, but there is still between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch on the pad. There is maybe 30% to 40% more pad on the passenger side pad.

I have about a 100 mile drive back home. Can I have this fixed at home, or does it need immediate attention? What's the downside to driving another 100 miles before fixing?

Also, the car is pulsing at high speeds when the brakes are applied, which I think means the drums/rotors are out of round, so perhaps my rotors need to be turned/replaced in any event?

Thanks, SJ

Reply to
Human Factors in the Training
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Hi,

This is possibly a brake wear indicator tag contacting the brake rotor. However it should not start when there is still as much as 1/4" minimum of pad material still left. It may put a slight groove in your rotor at the edge of the braking area.

However don't take ANY chances with your brakes. Do have it looked at the confirm this or otherwise before driving 100 miles. That's too far with a question over the brakes.

Cheers

Reply to
GeoffW1

Sounds like the brakes are not applying equally on both sides. Also, the inner pads which you can't normally see may have worn down a lot more than the outer pad.

If you can't make a proper diagnosis then the proper recommendation should be: have it towed and inspected by a competent mechanic.

Reply to
john

I think you're going to end up needing not only rotors and pads. I'd recommend Akebono ProAct ceramic pads. Raybestos rotors (~$17 service grade online price rockauto.com) are fine if you don't want to go Brembo (~$60) or Raybestos Advanced Technology (~$45).

You're likely to need caliper/anchor-pins inspections/cleaning/ replacment to resolve the binding issue (uneven wear). Probably should change out the brake fluid as well. I'd use Castrol GT LMA (low moisture activity) or Valvoline Synthetic fluids.

For what little metal today's rotors have, I'd replace than to resurface them.

The follow> Also, the car is pulsing at high speeds when the brakes are applied,

Reply to
john

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