Brake pads?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,214
Likes: 94
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; Yesterday at 08:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 1,653
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: 1,646
Likes: 665
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: 3,293
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.
