Guys - need some advice.
Let me first say I have not used the search function as I am in "emergency" mode now...
My step-dad has a 87 max, 5 speed SE (I have a 4th gen).

The rear left caliper is leaking brake fluid. On top of that the outside brake pad is MISSING !! We had noticed some grinding for a while and today fluid was leaking bad from the rear. So we took the tire off and look at the caliper and notice NO brake pad...

So here are a couple of questions:
Do I need an entire new caliper?
Will putting new brake pads on fix the problem?
How hard is a rear brake pad job on a 87 max. I've done it on a 4th gen...Which bolt needs to be removed to slide back the caliper, and how do you "loosen" the emergency brake?

Sorry for all the questions - we don't have a factory or haynes manual yet...

 

Replacing the pads will not fix a fluid leakage problem. Also, if the outboard pad is worn out, but the inboard pad isn't, then you defeinately have a problem on the hydralics end.

I'd either replace the caliper, or rebuild it. Also, you're likely going to need to at a minimum, turn the rear rotor, if it';s gone metal to metal.

A pad change is easy on the 2nd gens, and does not require disconnecting the parking brake, whereas rebuilding the caliper will.

I am rebuilding all four calipers this coming weekend, and I will post instructions here when I'm done.

In additon, I am replacing my over-turned front rotors, and installing Axxis metal master pads in the front for better braking performance up front, and cheap semi-metalic pads in rear, plus get the rear rotos turned - they're still in good enough shape to be turnable.

This should fix any braking problems with my wagon.

 

Excellent - Great info - I look forward to your instructions.