When I first bought my 2nd hand Suzuki swift 1.0L, I have changed the 4 brake pads 4.5 years. Up till now, the brake pads still got half and my mechanics said no need to change it. I understand some material cannot last for too long, even it is not fully worn out. How about brake pad? I am wondering whether I need to change it since using it for 4.5 years. What is the recommendation to me? Thanks for any input.
Should I change brake pad?
Jan 08, 2004
18 Replies
You change brake pads when they wear out. They don't "go off", and there's no "use by" date...
Regards, Noddy.
No the brake pad will not "age". Unless you have trouble stopping, nothing to worry about. Inspecting the brake cylinders for signs of leaks occasionally...
Keep the pads, change the car.....
duh? I could have sworn that Toyota Genuine Pads had a 'spalling date' stamped on them somewhere.
It is very rare that brake pad in use deteriorates before wearing out, I have seen it but they were very old, or the vehicle had been unused for a long time. What can happen, when the vehicle is not used regularly and kept in the damp is that the backing pad rusts and lifts the brake material off.
I do not think there is any chance of this in your case, unless of course you drive in the sea or similar, so just wait till the pads wear away, then change them. If it really worries you then change them anyway, the cost should not be too great.
MrCheerful
Check the thickness of the pad that's left. If it's down to the last few millimetres you should replace them. If one pad needs replacing you should replace them on both sides. If you hear a grinding noise when you brake, you should have replaced them last month. There are no better rules than these. I know people who have gone round the clock with the same pads and when I was in the Middle East the dry sandy atmosphere wore new pads out in less than a year.
Remember that mechanics don't make a living unless they can convince people that work needs doing. It's your car so take a look and decide for yourself.
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Does the car still stop ok? If so there is no need to change the brake pads.
Daryl
IIRC, if the mechanic even touches them and they contain asbestos, then they have to be changed.
hehe, no one picked me up on that.
I mean, any kind of trouble with the stopping apparatus. squealing and whining, rattles, wobbles, fuming or fire, pulling steering to one side, etc
If you have trouble stopping with the brakes, leave it in gear and turn off the engine.
No.
Fraser
put a bottle of wynn`s "brake pad`s" into your engine, it`ll increase pad life by 100,000 kays. how many people remember THAT thread?? lol
-- Cheers Dave
1990 ZZR 600 1991 Falcon GLi
Why?
Daryl
Because as of the start of this year, the mechanic isn't legally allowed to re-fit parts containing asbestos.
Bernd Felsche wrote:
Wasn't the car in question in Singapore?
First I've heard of that but since inspecting brake pads doesn't require "touching" then they don't need to be changed unless they are worn.
Daryl
no need 2 change ur pads thier fine u will need 2 change them when thier 3
1/4 worn. and even then u still have a gd few miles left on them okJoin the Discussion
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