what would cause uneven pad wear?

[goldxlt]

in an attempt to save money i started doing my own work on the truck. today i was checking my brakes out and i noticed that my inner pad on the driverside had uneven wear to it.

the outer pad on the driver side seems to have even wear and alot more life left and the both passenger side pads have even wear however the inner does appear to be thinner then the outer. i was wondering what would cause the pad to wear like this? should it be replaced or can i just switch it with the outer pad?

also while i had the wheel off i noticed this, im not really sure what it is, i just know that it looks like it needs to be replaced so if someone could help me out and tell me what it is, thank you.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Things that can cause pad wear like that is sticking caliper slide pins, sticking caliper piston, or the pads are stuck in the rattle clips where they are supposed to freely slide.
Clean and lube the slide pins with synthetic caliper grease, and when you replace the rattle clips that go on the caliper bracket, take a wire brush and clean up where they sit, rust can accumulate and cause the pads to stick. I like to apply some never seize under them and on the tabs on the brake pad that rides on the rattle clips.

The second picture is the dust boot is torn on your outer tie rod end. With it like that it is allowing moisture and dirt inside which will cause the joint to wear out or seize.

 

[Mark_88]

^^Ditto...had a set wear clear off because I didn't grease the slide pins...

 

[goldxlt]

thank you, i will give that a shot