OK brake experts, answer a simple Q for me




Last year at the cruise in, I did the drags fro the first time ever. After a few passes you could smell the front brakes. (I had to do a panic stop at the end of one pass because I thought the guy next to me was going to cut me off to try to make the first turn off) Anyway, you could smell them and I could feel what seemed like a metal on metal feeling when I applied the brakes. I haven't had any problems with them since then. So before I go this year, I thought I would change the pads. This morning I take the calipers off to find almost brand new looking pads on both sides. What gives? The car is a 94 with 19,000 miles.
Thanks


But if teh pads are in good shape and so are the rotors, I wouldn't worry about it.




As for the smell, stock brakes are made to be cheap, not the the best at stoping from 100MPH. Had you continually cycled (sp?) the brakes you would have experienced "brake fade". This happens when pad/rotor combo temperature rises above it's "working" temperature.
The same will happen below the working temperature. This is why you shouldn't buy the most expensive race brembo pads/rotor. Race type stuff will not stop as fast as stock pads when cold.
Having said all this, will your brakes age with only time. Yes they will. Will they be as good as new? No. As long you allow your car to age un-used they will lose their function, allow not completely. This is what many people would call car abuse. Every system on your vehicle is designed to be worked. Not taken out of the garage every once in a while for race. By letting her sit, your components are corroding, your seals are cracking, (if in the sun) your paint is decomposing.
Would I change your brakes? No, but I would drive the car so that I can enjoy it and it lives a long and useful life. Otherwise get a poster!!!!!!!!!!
Last year at the cruise in, I did the drags fro the first time ever. After a few passes you could smell the front brakes. (I had to do a panic stop at the end of one pass because I thought the guy next to me was going to cut me off to try to make the first turn off) Anyway, you could smell them and I could feel what seemed like a metal on metal feeling when I applied the brakes. I haven't had any problems with them since then. So before I go this year, I thought I would change the pads. This morning I take the calipers off to find almost brand new looking pads on both sides. What gives? The car is a 94 with 19,000 miles.
Thanks
:rant:




