The car is driven about 150 miles per week. Last year, I replaced the disks, rotors, and calipers. I don't want to wait until worn disks start to bite up the rotors again. Right now, the breaks still work fine, but I can tell they are beginning to wear down.
Don't know if it matters, but the car is a 1992 Olds Cutlass Supreme, 6 cylinder
2007-10-05 10:15:15 · 6 answers · asked by Simon Peter 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Dear Simon Peter,
There is no way of knowing "how often" to change disc brake pads on any car; because there are sooo many variables involved--highway vs city driving which uses more stops and starts in a given distance.....the weight of the car(including cargo and passengers regularly transported).....driving habits of the owner.....what quality shoes are currently on the vehicle....most states which have a safety inspection prior to renewing lisence plates require 1/16 inch of material minimum on the pads....DON'T wait to get that close because you don't want to end up replacing calipers and other expensive parts. 0.90" is low enough. Take the vehicle to a reputable repair shop and ask for a free brake inspection. Ask the manager if his mechanics are on a commission basis. If the answer is yes, leave. This includes Midas and Meinke and maybe Sears. I used to have a good friend who was manager at a local Midas shop. He left for reasons of conscience.
You also want to use ceramic or other HIGH QUALITY brake pads. They may cost twice as much but you'll get 4 times the wear. Ask the mechanic what brand name and composition shoes he offers. Some manufacturers offer Lifetime Warranty on wearout.....again, you get what you pay for.
Do NOT allow the mechanic to talk "down" to you or act condescending......if he does, leave. We have a secretary at my job who is a very careful driver, she just replaced her front pads after 100,000 miles. This is NOT NORM. I wear mine out in 30-40,000. Am currently trying out new ceramics. Get back to me in a year or two and I'll let you know how they're doing.
Also, on the age of the vehicle you have, it would be a good idea to ask the mechanic about flushing out and replacing the fluid completely, since any fluid over a period of time will get condensation (moisture) contamination in it and this will wear out your hydraulic system from the inside out. It isn't a big deal to replace, just ask the mechanic if it needs it or not. You don't want brown fluid. The fluid should be as clear as 7up. Brown fluid is moisture contaminated.
2007-10-05 15:29:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
depends how you use the car and what material the pads are made from. Anywhere from 5000 miles to 60000 miles for pads. The rotors can usually handle at least the life of one or two sets of pads BUT they can be warped especially if you brake to a stop and hold the brake pedal as you are holding the pads on the rotor creating a hotspot which over long time will cause uneveness in the rotor surface.
Most makers of calipers (the hardware that holds the pads in place and operates the braking action) leave a hole so that you can look in and observe the pads and see how much of the pad material is left.
2007-10-05 17:33:54 · answer #2 · answered by Solid 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My drive back and forth is a heavier car. It went over 30,000
for the pads which is a lot. I would say be safe with a heavier car and have them looked at at 10,000 and again at 20,000 if they were good at 10,000.
The disc that the pads rub against can last longer maybe through one set of pads but need to be replaced with the second set of pads.
Much of this depends on the thickness of the disc and the composition of the pads.
If your brake light is coming on even intermittently it is low on brake fluid most likely.
2007-10-05 18:33:18 · answer #3 · answered by ander 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always taken my car in to have brake wear checked, so I know they can take a look to see how far they're worn. I am not sure what percentage of the pad needs to be left to be considered safe, but I know a lot of garages will do free brake checks. Firestone has always been a great place to service my car.
2007-10-05 17:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by PediC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im from n.ireland. You only need discs replaced when they are worn below the legal limit. Normally 40,000 miles approx.
The front brake pads are needed at an average of 17,000 miles & rear at avg 40,000. 50% less if you drive hard....
2007-10-05 17:24:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the tires are rotated peak at the calipers. You'll be able to see the remaining pad thickness. Replace them when they wear down to .090.
2007-10-05 17:27:53 · answer #6 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋