When do you have your brakes changed?

[pops572]

Is there a recommended mileage interval, or just when they start squeaking? Its a 08 Silverado if that matters.

[peejman]

When they're (nearly) worn out.  Ideally just before they start squealing since I don't want to ruin the rotors.  About 1/8" of pad left = nearly done.

[Westwindmike]

When the "tab" touches the rotor and makes noise.

[pops572]

Thanks guys, but I was wondering more like a mileage interval i.e. 50k, 75k.

[Sam1]

When the "tab" touches the rotor and makes noise.

This^ They designed the pads like this so you don't have to constantly check them. Got as little as 20k out of some, and as much as 70k out of a set from the same car depending on how much hwy mileage there was.

[Volzfan]

Thanks guys, but I was wondering more like a mileage interval i.e. 50k, 75k.

With everyone having different driving styles it's hard to put a mileage number that's accurate for all. Also those who spend a lot of time on the open road won't need them as often as someone who drives around the large cities that have to stop for traffic lights every other block.

Find a mechanic that you trust and let him tell you how to check them yourself. Every time I take my car to have the free tire rotation done they will let me know how my pads look. Of course they will try to sell me brakes so I always assume that I have more time than they say.

[daddyo]

Any good tire shop should be able to tell you how much life you have left on the pads when you have your tires rotated.

[peejman]

Mileage depends on how and what you drive.  I've put well over 75k on a set before.  A friend's wife smokes the pads and rotors in under 30k repeatedly.

[ArmyBrat61]

I drive 'em 'till they go  SKREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!  :rofl:    But your mileage may vary........ :usa:

[whitewolf001]

3mm and under is considered in the red zone. 4-5mm is yellow and 6+ is still good.

[gregintenn]

When the pads look thin, start making noise, or the rotors start wobbling, which is very rarely if you know how to drive properly.

Edited May 30, 2013 by gregintenn

[whitewolf001]

When the pads look thin, start making noise, or the rotors start wobbling, which is very rarely if you know how to drive properly.

 Rotors wobbling can be caused by a number things, bad driving IS one caused by braking hard or intensly ALOT or can happen from driving in extremely hilly terrain such as out towards Gatlinburg by going downhill quite a bit. Generally when a wobble occurs you need to have the rotors replaced or shaved but unless the pads are worn in an odd way from the warped rotor than pad replacement shouldn't be a problem.

[southernasylum]

My 13 year old daughter just learned to change mine yesterday. I'll never have to do it again! It really is easy and most pads come with lifetime replacent. Mine were mid grade and cost about $50.

[gregintenn]

 Rotors wobbling can be caused by a number things, bad driving IS one caused by braking hard or intensly ALOT or can happen from driving in extremely hilly terrain such as out towards Gatlinburg by going downhill quite a bit. Generally when a wobble occurs you need to have the rotors replaced or shaved but unless the pads are worn in an odd way from the warped rotor than pad replacement shouldn't be a problem.

If I turn or replace rotors, the vehicle gets new pads as well. You are already in there, and they aren't that expensive. Also, I expect there is a good chance they'd wear funny with bad rotors.

[whitewolf001]

If I turn or replace rotors, the vehicle gets new pads as well. You are already in there, and they aren't that expensive. Also, I expect there is a good chance they'd wear funny with bad rotors.

 

We reccomend that one replace their rotors when replacing pads but we've had tons come through that just turn em and have no problems there after. Just all depends on if you have the money or not for the peace of mind really. Course we've had several come through that do just that and then come back needing the pads replaced cause it only partially fixed the problem.