Well, today is front brake day. The 88 FSM says to remove the caliper guide pins, after removing their covers, with a 6mm allen. But, my brakes do not have a removable cover and are 10mm hex bolts. Is this another "early" '88 vs "late" '88 issue? Which brings up another point. Was there an actual '88 1/2 model, as per registration, etc, or was that just an advertising ploy? So, does an 88 1/2 have registration as an 88 1/2 or is it an '88?
   Outside pads are nearly out of spec, inside pads are o.k., but I will replace all. Rotors are actually pretty good, a small bead around the outside. Sami pulls hard right when you hit the brakes. Could it be something other than front pads and rotors?
   By the way, I am, admittedly, not much of a mechanic, but...I'm a damned good detective. I eventually figure things out.
   Thanks for any insight.

Sami pulls hard right when you hit the brakes. Could it be something other than front pads and rotors?

could be air in one side ... any signs of fluid leakage?
would be a good ide to bleed both sides anyway after the new pads are installed.

Pulling is usually

1) Sticking caliper
2) Alignment

On a live axle front end it is often alignment, but.....

You said that the ouotside pads were worn more than the inside....often a sign of caliper sticking on slides or sticking pistons.

Make sure the pins and slides are super clean when you reassemble, I also coat them with anti sieze and it might be a good time for a couple of rebuilt calipers seeing as you have it aparts.

If the brake repairs don't solve it...time to check tires and alignment.



Zag

Dang zaggy beat me to the punch. I was going to say with pads wearing like you said one more then the other, i would say replace calipers. Also check for lose ball joint steering as any of that can cause pull and spend fifty bucks and get a aligement. Look at you tire do they have a funny wear pattern that can help you detect problems to .

Well...I now have great brakes. Replaced the pads. Rotors were not really that bad, although the right one did have some minor grooving. Swapped rotors from side to side. No leaks anywhere. The pins were corroded somewhat, so I cleaned them up good and put some anti-sieze on them. I hit the grease fitting with a little grease, too. Anyhow, on the test run, stops straight and true. Something worked. That's what counts.

Good to hear!

     No pulling and brakes work..you're safe for a while.

Zag

Hey Suzuki 1.8..........didn't think of the tire wear, good call.

I hope the grease fitting was not on the caliper,LOL

I hope the grease fitting was not on the caliper,LOL

Ooooooooops