97 Saturn SL Drum Brake Question

I don't know the original thickness, but generally use the rule of thumb that when the braking material is down to the thickness of the backing plate it is time to replace them. At 1/8" I think you are there now .

Bob

According to

The thickness of the new brakes is 0.16"

The thickness at which the brakes should be discarded is 0.04"

You measure 0.125"

You have consumed 0.035" of brake material, and the total amount of brake material that can be consumed before the brakes need to be replaced is 0.12"

You've used up 0.035/0.120, or 29% of the life of the brakes.

If I were you, I'd put them back and check them again when you've doubled (or tripled) the mileage of your car.

Thanks Kirk,

Prior to reading your message, I got new brakes from Advance Auto Parts, compared the thickness with the new ones and noticed that there was little wear, so I returned them. Note: car has 126,000 miles - still has original rear brakes. Looks like I may be able to get 300,000 miles on them (Mostly highway driving).