Is this an indication of a stuck caliper?

I was checking my brakes and the driver rotor inside surface is badly scored and worn while the outside surface has a smooth worn finish. These are replacement OEM rotors and pads which were replaced maybe 15000 miles ago. I may have rebuilt this caliper when I did the last brake job but not 100% sure so that is why I am wondering if it is froze up again and causing this. The truck stops fine and doesn't pull. Thanks for responding. BTW, it is an 05.

paul

 

Where do you get the brake pads? Dealer?

 

It could very well be a frozen caliper. It could also be a pad stuck in the caliper bracket. Whatever it is, you have one side of the caliper attempting to do all the work. No way of knowing without tearing things apart.

BTW, you mentioned that you may have "rebuilt the caliper" recently. What process and parts did you use to do this? I ask because even though the parts and process are fairly straight forward, almost nobody does this anymore. They're much more likely to purchase a rebuilt / remanufactured caliper because they look better (but indeed may not work better) and they're simpler to install.

 

You could pull the front wheel, have a friend press the brake.
Watch the pads and see if they are working.
The “problem pad” should retract ever so slightly when the pedal is released.
It should retract SLIGHTLY.

Before you do this, you really need to be sure the pad mount resting surfaces and pins are clean.

Im betting it’s a caliper issue, it you may get lucky with a tear down, clean, and inspection.

 

The caliper rebuild kit was thru the Toyota dealer. I won't go that route again I will order a new one this time. I will do some more checking on mine to be sure. Thanks

 

I will second what too stroked mentioned about the pad getting stuck in the caliper as a potential issue. I have seen this a few times in other vehicles. Usually the cast part of the pad mount corrodes and shrinks the area, therefore that pad never moves.
I was always taught to never actuate a break when it’s not mounted because the piston could come out too far, maybe that’s different with Tacoma’s. Are the springs installed? I don’t know how much they help.

and always check the pins aren’t stuck, and lubed

 

I had a stuck caliper on one of my Dodge trucks, it was easily diagnosed by my mechanic by using a temperature gun on the rotors. The stuck one was MUCH hotter than the others. In fact you could put your hand near that rotor and feel the heat radiating.

 

I agree with the slides/pins.
If it’s not pulling or slowing itself down seems it’s a pad dragging vs a stuck caliper.

 

Besides the temperature check, look for an abnormal amount of brake dust on the wheels.

 

Just buy rebuilt calipers through auto parts stores.