1991 Ranger 4wd 4.0
I have another recent thread about brake failure.
In replacing the front pads calipers hoses and rotors I am confused how the pads are suppose to return to a neutral position after braking.
The piston returns to a neutral position from the square seal in the caliper.
Then once the piston retracts the pads are left dragging on either side of the rotor. The caliper v grooves are lubed to slide on the two hold down pins...but there is no spring or any other mechanism to bring the caliper and pads to a neutral position. The outside pad is clipped to the caliper and the inside pad has a anti rattle bottom clip that secures the pad firmly.

When the brake is released it seems that the friction of the rotor is the only thing that somehow moves the pads away from the rotor.Is this how it is suppose to work??? The rear drum brakes have all kinds of springs to bring the shoes to a neutral position.

 

The pads should be in light contact with the rotor at all times, just no pressure squeezing the rotor, this prevents pads(or rotor) from cracking if suddenly heated by applying the brakes.
Wheel should spinning freely but pads should drag enough to slow them down after a full turn or two when wheel is off the ground.
There should be no drag if coasting.

Rear shoes also drag just not as much, they are in an enclosed housing so stay warm and when brakes are applied the temp increase isn't as steep since rear brakes have a lighter load.

Some pads do have springs, toyota camry has a pair in each wheel, scissor springs, that hold pads open, they are there because the caliper designed cause squealing noise without them, pads still rub a bit through, just not enough to cause the squeal, lol.