how do i know when it's time to change my brake pad??
 

hello,
how would i know if its time for me to change my brake pads?
thx~~

If youre hearing a grinding/squealing sound while braking check your pads. If you think youre at the mileage when a pad change is necessary, again check the pads. When the pad only has a few millimeters left, its time.

The pad is easier to see if the wheel is pulled.

Just did mine today (swap all pads), wow ... the old one is almost all gone. rofl. guess I wait a bit too long ?

Squeak might happen if the clip/back of the pad not greased properly.

One thing for sure is that, when you start hearing Grinding sound that sounds like something is dragging your brakes EVEN when you're not braking, and the sound disappears as soon as you try to brake, thats the time.

Look at the pad thickness...if they are thinner than 2mm you really need them bad.....;)

When your phone starts to ring. ;)

If you have to ask... you need to change your pads.

can't really say i know the EXACT time to change your breaks - but i can probably tell you when it's too late ;)

BINGO! - visual inspection of the pads, minimum thickness 2mm.

If you rotate your tires every 5000 miles, that is the perfect time to check.

rofl

I was all the way down to about hmm 1 mm LOL

*flame suit on*

Well, I was lazy. OK !!!!

even I was surprised why am I alive ...



After this time, no more, Im changing it every 15-20 K miles. with Coils.

I think that with how important brakes are they are a very overlooked system. I mean how many times have you heard of people not getting them done until they start grinding metal on metal.

2 mm is the minimum I would think, can you go a little lower? Sure, you can get away with it but why risk it.

Visual inspection is best. Get the wheels off and take a look periodically.

Lacking that, the rear [passenger] pad has a 'tuning fork' that will screech against the rotor when it reaches minimum material remaining.

A high pitched squealing/grinding sound followed by an excessive amount of sparks. That's a sure fire indication that they're toast.


If you remove the wheels, the top of the calipers are open so that you can inspect the pad material. That will tell you how close you are. Make sure you check all since they may wear differently depending on your driving style.