Why Did this Happen to My Front Brake WTF?

[Angry Possum]

I changed my brakes last week. 1993 Ranger 4x4 w 4.0. I heard a brake squeaking, I then smelled something burning.
Seems the outer break shoe support clamp broke. Huh. Why would this happen. It's Always something w me when it comes to doing brakes mice-elf. What did I F...g do wrong...These are decent brake pads too, Ceramic, I got them on Rock Auto.

 

[Angry Possum]

I'm looking at the Top Caliper Pin now, maybe that's why.. It doesn't look like it's in right.

 

[Bgunner]

Those pins only have a rubber center to them so they are apt to ware out at some point. Being the rubber goes through heat and cold cycles the rubber can deteriorate. From the looks of it the metal slides have become separated from the rubber or the rubber has collapsed letting the pin to shift. The pins are fairly cheap, or were, so replacing them is not that bad. I would pay attention to the heat that the brake is generating on trips to be sure you don't have a caliper hanging up.

 

[Bgunner]

After a look at the picture again the retaining clip for the brake pad is also broken. This hold the pad to the caliper and with the way it is now can allow the pad to shift and cause un even ware and damage to the rotor and possibly the caliper. If this is a pic of the new pads then I would get another set and just replace that one pad, for now. This could also, if the pad is leaning in, cause the rotor to heat up while the brakes are not pressed.

That has to be squeeking bad right now as the pad is hitting the center of the hub. It has already scored the rotor hub. this needs to be addressed ASAP. fix is a new pad on the outer side like I mentioned before.

 

[19Walt93]

The caliper pin is installed incorrectly as stated, but that didn't cause the pad to fall out. The tab on the pad wasn't securely in the caliper notch- I often have to squeeze them in place with pliers. Make sure you use silicone based grease on the caliper pins, petroleum based grease will attack the rubber insert.

 

[rumblecloud]

Number 1 is what Bgunner is referring to that may be worn out. Number 2 is what 19Walt93 is referring to.
My first thought was that "the tab on the pad wasn't securely in the caliper notch."
So when you applied the brakes, the pad slipped completely out of the notch, hit the hub and split the retaining bracket. And that may have caused the pin to disfigure (or if it wasn't installed properly, it only made it worse.

 

[JoshT]

IMO I thinks it's more likely that #1 started everything by causing the caliper to stick. Then #3 happened which allowed #2 to slip out of it's notch. Just my 2¢.

As for why #1 and #3 happened I can't say, but you are definitely at new pads and probably a new clip on that side.

Pad and rotor shown don't look that new, but it could be due to failure induced wear. I'd probably install new rotors and pads, and go ahead and replace all 4 caliper clips too just in case that was age related.

 

[Shran]

My first thought was that "the tab on the pad wasn't securely in the caliper notch."
So when you applied the brakes, the pad slipped completely out of the notch, hit the hub and split the retaining bracket. And that may have caused the pin to disfigure (or if it wasn't installed properly, it only made it worse.

I would concur with this.

 

[Angry Possum]

I fixeded it it....Yes I broke that tab off. When I first put the brake on originally, i didn't put it on correctly methinks., And after I put the new pad on, the first time, I should of depressed the break to squeeze everything into place and hold it all together, which I didn't do. And yes the Pins were actually fine. The newer ones I purchased, didn't come with the rubber inside them like my old pins, So I used my old Pins. After I put the 2nd new pad into place, I pumped the brakes to lock it all into place. It's good now, thanks everyone. I do appreciate the responses. And yes, i used brake Grease on the pads and the piston.

 

[fastpakr]

And yes, i used brake Grease on the pads and the piston.

I hate to ask...

But on the -back- side of the pads, yes?

 

[Angry Possum]

I hate to ask...

But on the -back- side of the pads, yes?

That's Affirmative...

 

[Angry Possum]

PS: Brake Grease in some local stores here is way too expensive.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The caliper retaining pin... probably worn before you even started doing brakes on the truck.... But it appears to be upside down... as Walt says. That pin has stops on one side. Those stops face up and get driven in until they hit the caliper bracket. I thought Ford recommended replacing the pins with every brake job. You can see the stops below...

Caliper grease? That should only ever be used on the slide pins.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have to add another thing. In 40 years I've never once had to pump brakes to to get brake pads positioned correctly.

 

[Shran]

I don't replace those pins every time but it is a good practice to do so. The little tabs on the end eventually wear out and the pins fall out completely, can't tell you how many 83-94 RBVs I've worked on that have missing clips. It's scary.

I have to add another thing. In 40 years I've never once had to pump brakes to to get brake pads positioned correctly.

I assume that he meant that he pushed the caliper piston in more than necessary and then had to pump the brakes to push the piston back out once everything was reinstalled...that is almost necessary on every disc brake job.