When do we know its time to replace the brake pads? Just by looking? Do they squeal on constant braking? Squeal on initial braking?

tia,

 

you can tell when you brake, they will squeal. you can usually tell by doing a quick visual inspection (not the most accurate) by peaking through the spokes of the wheels and seeing how much material is left.

ideally you'd want to take the wheel off, then undo the bottom bolt of the caliper on the rear, raise the caliper and check how much pad you have left.

-a

 

The OEM pads have metal squealer tabs riveted to the back of the pad. When the pads get worn under 2-1.6mm the tab hits the rotor and squeals loudly.

Usually the noise stops when applying brake pressure then quits when releasing, that is until the pads wear and the squealer tab breaks off. Your next warning will be from the constant grinding from the metal pad backing plate grinding against the rotor.

Normal street use is pretty light on the S2k's pads. I've seen several street only driven cars go over 100k on the original pads, and still had 4-5mm of pads lining left. Drive the car with a sense of purpose and you'll wear out the pads quicker.

Check the pad lining every 7500k and pay attention if you hear any abnormal scraping/squealing/ringing sounds.

 

Thanks. I ask because my brakes have taken to squealing when I apply light brake pressure, but not with medium or heavy pressure. Eyeballing them, they look fine, but at 40k mi, I was getting curious exactly how S2k pads sound when they are ready to go.

 

funny you mention this, my truck does the same annoying crap. but once they warm up it disapears altogether. i checked them twice, plenty of pad, rotors are not grooved, just squeal when cold. and they squeal LOUD!

 

You don't even have to take the caliper off. There are inspection holes in the front of the caliper to look through ad determine how much pad life is left.

 

I have a Q, can brake pads age, and need replacing? My MY 00' has only got 46K and there not worn out. After 8 years will they still work as good when new?

 

i quick way to tell they will need to be changed is when the brake pad material is as thick as the backing