When is it time to Replace brake Pads?

[JanetRose]

Mine have 50% left according to the mechanic. Thanks.

 

[MagicKingdom05]

When you start hearing the squicking when you stop that's the time you need to get them replaced.

 

[Raysplus1]

Make sure you replace that pads as soon as you hear the squeaking. You don't want to be replacing the rotors.

 

[Servants of Evan]

All brake pads have wear indicators designed into them. When you're down to 15 - 20% or so, they will start squeeling when you stop. Thet's your cue to get them replaced.

 

[ZuZugal]

All brake pads have wear indicators designed into them. When you're down to 15 - 20% or so, they will start squeeling when you stop. Thet's your cue to get them replaced.

I agree w/this statement. Just had the 60,000miles servicing done on my vehicle and I was told the same thing.

 

[tmt martins]

Most of the time the average person won't here the squeeking of pads( Music ,windows always up,road noise).

So with that said you should always and not just for brakes .Find a quite parking lot once a week if possible on your travels and do some figure 8's with the windows down at low speeds this will let you hear a lot of things.

And remember pads are cheap, rotors and shafts are not.If your pads wear down enough they will cause the rotors to waer and even the shafts as they will be jerky not smooth when stopping.

 

[John VN]

Just some clarification here.

The wear indicators will make the noise when you are moving and the brakes are not being applied. I'll bet you have heard a scraping noise when a car drives by without the brakes being applied. If you hear a noise when the brakes are being applied it might be too late by then because there might be metal to metal contact and the rotors are being scored.

Another thing is that many rotors are not that expensive to replace. Turning rotors can cost $15.00 each or more and new rotors can start at $25.00 each.

After replacing the rotors and pads on DW's car at 40,000 miles the current mileage is 110,000 and the pads are less than 50% worn. While disc brake pads are alway in contact with the rotors if you are easy on the brakes they can last a long time.

One thing most people do not know is in many cars the BRAKE FLUID should be flushed and replace every couple of years because the fluid absorbs moisture and with todays anti lock brake systems it is important to keep fresh fluid in the system.