How often should you replace you brake pads?
Brake Pads September 15th, 2009I replaced mine last year December along with the calipers and rotors. Should i replace my brake pads again this year.
i see you have gotten lots of answers well here is my knowledge you do have to have Brake Pads checked to know if they need replacing. There isn’t any time or mileage to go by on any of the brake parts all cars are different and the quality of the parts vary so one car may have high quality brake pads and rotors and last you several years and a lot of miles then another car with cheap stuff on it only last a a year. So I suggest you take it in and have someone look at them and if you are not getting any squealing noise or clunking or grinding noise you probably got good quality stuff put on and they will last you a while.
What is a cheap place to buy brake pads and/or your favorite parts and accessory place?
September 15th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Replace’em when they’re wornout. Take good car of your car & do it’s maintenance. BUT replacing parts that aren’t worn out / broken is a waste. =^ )
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:31 am
every day.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Depends on the car and the way you drive.
I replaced the front pads on the family van around 25000 miles, back pads never, got 62000 on them so far.
On my motorcycle I replace the rear pads about every 15000 and just replaced the front ones at 79000 and they still had a lot of brake pad left.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
It’s not a function of time or distance. They can be checked when the car is taken in for regular service. Also, when the brake fluid level drops, that is a signal the pads or pads and brake shoes are wearing out. When the fluid level gets to the MIN mark on the master cylinder, you need to have the brakes serviced. Never let mechanics add brake fluid just to "top up" the fluid. You may need the fronts. or all four wheels, or sometimes, just the rears. What needs to be changed depends on what is worn beyond tolerances.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
You don’t determine that by chronological criterium - you look at how thick they are. Replaced the calipers ?!? How old is that car? If your car is under 100,000 miles (and there’s no factory defect in the brakes) somebody is ripping you off. Rotors don’t need replacing in less than 75,000 miles (if they need anything they need "turned" (machined). I’d test out your mechanic by going to another mechanic first - getting their "diagnosis" and then going to your guy - he sounds like a thief !
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Have done ALL (engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds - everything) of my own mechanic work on over 20 cars (mine and family members) for over 40 years. I’ve come to the conclusion that of the mechanics out there - 25% are good, 50% are guessers and klutzes; and 25% are thieves
September 15th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
go to a garage they will do a free safty inspection dont trust one go to another dont ok the work order or estimate without two or three inspections from differrant mechanics why because you should compare the prices and the brakes prices if you live in town or drive a lot of lights you will wear out pads pretty quick one cheaper way to go is buy the pads at autozone then go back to the lowest price mechanic and ask him to use your parts why if you buy the part its lifetime guarenteed and the labor is all you should have to pay from then on also the brake shops advertize in the sports section of the newspaper their price for front and back brakes coupons are there good luck
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
It depends on whether you need it or not. Which, in turn, depends on how you drive and how good the brake pads were.
A tip to help you: There are 2 parts of the brake pads. The pad itself and a backing plate that the pad sits on. Take a look at this picture of the brake pads to see what I am talking about:
http://www.trdpartstore.com/images/TRD_Brake_Pads.jpg
Those particular pads have a line down the middle for air to pass through to keep them cool. But you can see the metal piece they are attached to. As a general rule, when your pad gets about as thick as the backing plate, it’s time to consider replacement. So if they take you out to show you your brake pads, look for how thick the pad itself is. Sometimes, it’s hard to really see because of how cars are designed and how they’re placed there.
If you get the pads replaced, be sure they machine the rotors. This will keep your new pads lasting longer and will avoid annoying pedal pulsation.
Matt
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
i see you have gotten lots of answers well here is my knowledge you do have to have brake pads checked to know if they need replacing. There isn’t any time or mileage to go by on any of the brake parts all cars are different and the quality of the parts vary so one car may have high quality brake pads and rotors and last you several years and a lot of miles then another car with cheap stuff on it only last a a year. So I suggest you take it in and have someone look at them and if you are not getting any squealing noise or clunking or grinding noise you probably got good quality stuff put on and they will last you a while.
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