Brake pads?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,218
Likes: 95
From: not far enough from Chicago
Brake pads?
Hi guys, when do you know it’s time to replace the brake pads? The car is basically in storage during the winter months in my heated garage under a cover. It’s actually garaged all the time when it isn’t being driven, which isn’t a lot. A 98 with 21K miles.
I took it in for its annual oil change. They recommended that the brake pads be replaced. I am a non DIY kind of guy. I always have pros do any work my cars need. I can’t see if they are worn down or not.
They told me that by the time I can hear anything, a “screeching” sound, I will have damaged the rotors. The manual says that when you start to hear it, that’s when they should be replaced.
So, is there a general consensus as far as when to get them done? Please don’t call me an idiot because I can’t do anything.
Thanks, Steve
I took it in for its annual oil change. They recommended that the brake pads be replaced. I am a non DIY kind of guy. I always have pros do any work my cars need. I can’t see if they are worn down or not.
They told me that by the time I can hear anything, a “screeching” sound, I will have damaged the rotors. The manual says that when you start to hear it, that’s when they should be replaced.
So, is there a general consensus as far as when to get them done? Please don’t call me an idiot because I can’t do anything.
Thanks, SteveLast edited by StevieB; May 9, 2026 at 08:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1,655
From: North Coast
The factory brakes have metal tabs that drag when pads get low. That screech is not bad and a warning.
I would think if you have not driven hard you will get your 30k miles minimum.
As for rotors just replace them. Cutting takes off metal that absorbs heat. You just need factory rotors as drilled and are more cosmetic. Slotted can clean debris if you track but you don’t need it for a street car. .
These rotors just add to my 401k.
Also if you just street drive just stick to the stock pads. More aggressive can eat rotors and screech.
we just put some aggressive Hawk pads on my buddies C6 and the screech now. I told him not to do them. He called Hawk and ggey ssid test is normal and he should have gone less aggressive.
I would think if you have not driven hard you will get your 30k miles minimum.
As for rotors just replace them. Cutting takes off metal that absorbs heat. You just need factory rotors as drilled and are more cosmetic. Slotted can clean debris if you track but you don’t need it for a street car. .
These rotors just add to my 401k.
Also if you just street drive just stick to the stock pads. More aggressive can eat rotors and screech.
we just put some aggressive Hawk pads on my buddies C6 and the screech now. I told him not to do them. He called Hawk and ggey ssid test is normal and he should have gone less aggressive.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 671
From: Pingree Grove IL
There is no way to tell if you need brake pads or not. IMO, to get the best look of the brake pads, the car needs to be up in the air, and the wheels off the car. You say you can’t do this yourself, which is fine, totally respect that. Ask yourself this question, Do you trust your mechanic? If yes, get your brake pads replaced, if not, find another mechanic.
As far as your question, there is no general consensus when to replace brake pads, when there worn out, you replace them. Are you the original owner of this 98 with 21k miles on it, it’s 28 years old, original brake fluid? Get a brake flush please.
How far are you from Chicago? I’m near Elgin IL.
As far as your question, there is no general consensus when to replace brake pads, when there worn out, you replace them. Are you the original owner of this 98 with 21k miles on it, it’s 28 years old, original brake fluid? Get a brake flush please.
How far are you from Chicago? I’m near Elgin IL.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,551
Likes: 3,296
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I agree that brake pad depth is usually checked visually. I'm guessing you don't particularly trust the mechanic since you're asking about it here. The mileage that you get out of a brake pad depends on how you drive the car. It sounds like this car is barely driven, so unless you're tracking it, I'd guess the pads are fine. Honestly, I'd be more worried about your tires. I'm sure the tread is fine, but if they're more than 6 years old or so, they need to be replaced. With all that said, you could go to a different mechanic to get their opinion on your brake pads. They are a wear item that is important for safety no matter how you drive the car. If they're the original pads, once every 28 years isn't a bad service interval for a known wear item. Based on your current usage, if you go ahead and replace them, they'll probably last you the rest of your life.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 671
From: Pingree Grove IL
Do you need rotors too? I recommend the plain KNS brake rotor. A few years ago, bought 4 and shipped to the house it was 320.00. Great rotor so far. I use Hawk HP+ pads which stop the car faster than any other brake pad I’ve used at a noticeable difference. A good ceramic pad on that rotor and you should be fine for a long time. Most mechanic shops use like a Wagner pad or duralast, IMO a better brand would be Carbotech or Hawk, just make sure you get a ceramic for your style of driving. Original rotors? There not warped yet?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,218
Likes: 95
From: not far enough from Chicago
I don’t know this guy. The only reason I went to him is because I was having my new
tires installed I bought from tire rack.
I have never had this place do any work for me. It’s 2 miles away so I went there. I figured that
just having tires replaced wouldn’t be a big deal.
This new guy showed me a blurry picture of the pads and one showing where I had an oil leak.I have never had 1 drop of oil on my garage floor since I bought the car used in 2002 with 6K miles. So I know that just isn’t true. I’ve had all of the fluids changed and not one problem since I have owned it. I have decided not to worry about it for now. My new tires areContinental ExtremeContact Sport 02. Anyway, thanks for the input guys.
tires installed I bought from tire rack.
I have never had this place do any work for me. It’s 2 miles away so I went there. I figured that
just having tires replaced wouldn’t be a big deal.
This new guy showed me a blurry picture of the pads and one showing where I had an oil leak.I have never had 1 drop of oil on my garage floor since I bought the car used in 2002 with 6K miles. So I know that just isn’t true. I’ve had all of the fluids changed and not one problem since I have owned it. I have decided not to worry about it for now. My new tires areContinental ExtremeContact Sport 02. Anyway, thanks for the input guys.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 671
From: Pingree Grove IL
If the oil isn’t dripping on the garage floor. Leave it alone. It’s probably very minor. Your brakes are probably fine too. Mechanic shops love to sell brake jobs. Especially if they never seen you before. My father worked at Midas muffler for 30+ years. Brake jobs pay alot and mechanics just throw everything together in a few minutes. I actually clean my calipers really well, rotor brackets, slide pins, etc…. My father was watching me and said I clean my stuff to good, lol. I even spray my shocks, wheel well liners, I clean everything.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,218
Likes: 95
From: not far enough from Chicago
I called him back and he told me the bad parts have ruined my car and it needs a new engine.
Seriously, it has never leaked anything, or for that matter has ever needed any work
except 2 new batteries and replacing all of the fluids .
Seriously, it has never leaked anything, or for that matter has ever needed any work
except 2 new batteries and replacing all of the fluids .
Last edited by StevieB; Yesterday at 05:34 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 7
From: Central Texas
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 7
From: Central Texas
Sorry, meant oil change shop. It's weird that it didn't leak before they worked on it, and now it "needs a new engine." I'd definitely tow it to a reputable shop, and try to find out what really happened. Also, document everything said at the oil change/brake pad shop, before you forget fine details.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,218
Likes: 95
From: not far enough from Chicago
I only went there to get my tires on the car and all of a sudden it has other problems. He said "don't believe anything you read on-line. Those people think they are so smart and they don't know what they are talking about." HMM,
I just HAD A FEELING about the guy before he told me anything about problems.
BTW, the new tires really make a difference. I can tell by the way they handled for the 2 miles that I have used them so far.
Last edited by StevieB; Yesterday at 11:51 PM.