Flip front pads to extend pad life?

I bought new front pads and when I went to install them I noticed the pads opposite the piston side were twice as thick as piston side. So I flip the pads from left caliper to right caliper. I have had them this way for about 200 miles and have seen no adverse affects. Any reason not to do this? I like to save a buck but not at the risk of unseen/unknown adverse results. Thanks.

 

it's OK but you might need to clean and lube the caliper's slider pins.

 

You may be better replacing the slide pins. I'm fairly sure these are still available.

 

I suspect you need part number:

45215-ML7-922

about $5-10 each

Get it for each caliper.

 

My calipers are maintained and operate properly, but I still swap pad locations occasionally (when I am being lazy). I usually will lightly sand them on a flat surface in a figure 8 pattern part way thru their life. It promotes even wear and greatly reduces the formation of grooves in the pads, and more importantly, the disks.

You just have to remember that your braking performance will be reduced until everything beds in again.

But if you experience unusually uneven wear it is most likely the caliper not sliding properly as stated above. It is the most commonly overlooked service item on single action calipers, especially the rears where it can be a dirtier area. I have to repeatedly beat it into the heads of my friends. And it is silicone grease that the SM calls out.