My 2002 Ford E150 van wears out its front brake pads at about 20,000 miles. The front wheels constantly exhibit brake dust on them. It appears to me that the front brakes are constantly engaged, to some degree, on the rotor and are constantly wearing some.
Back in the 80's when I worked as a curb mechanic I was told to leave the front bearings a bit loose so the play would allow the rotor to wobble a little and kick the caliper pistons and brake shoes back off of the rotor when the pedal was not applied.
Is this still a good approach with today's finely machined bearings or is there a better way to minimize brake ware?
Thanks, Charlie