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Author Topic: When to replace brake pads?  (Read 1794 times)

Offline Lewo

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When to replace brake pads?
« on: November 27, 2019, 03:57:56 pm »
Going to ask a mate to have a clean up of brakes and grease sliders etc.
How far should you let the pads wear down so that the pistons don't end up sticking and pitting due to being 'out' too far?
Sure I remember reading about this a while ago....
Cheers.

Offline titchy

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2019, 04:46:59 pm »
3mm is mot standard

Offline Lewo

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2019, 11:06:40 pm »
Ok cheers.
pretty sure I've seen on here not to let them wear down to the minimum so as to reduce the risk of pistons sticking in the calipers?

Offline Lewo

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2019, 06:17:26 pm »
Anyone else?
I've tried to search on here for previous threads without success...  :rolleye:

Offline muff1991

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2019, 07:33:58 pm »
Just replace them when they’re low, if you’re worried about them getting too low etc then change before hand. The price of them are not too much. I wouldn’t read into the calipers stocking etc, I mean don’t let them wear right down but if the pistons start sticking that’ll be because your piston booty isn’t doing its job in which case you’ll need a rebuild or new caliper anyway.


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Offline Lewo

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2019, 11:58:31 pm »
Low = how many mm?

Offline andyiseddy02

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2019, 11:52:32 am »
Minus 3mm!

Offline pudding

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2019, 05:27:58 pm »
 :grin:

I ditch mine when half worn.  As above, I don't like the pistons extending too far.  Like tyres, brake pad compounds 'go off' from the constant heat cycling, so it's best to bin them off before they even get close to the wear limits.


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Offline Lewo

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2019, 10:34:38 pm »
Jeez that's worn  :signLOL:
Cheers pudding. I am totally useless at spannering and a mate fitted the greenspot pads and discs for me a couple of years ago I think so I have no idea of how thick the pads are when new hence me banging on about how much to leave on there before changing them!

Offline Dunkdafunk

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2019, 01:40:38 pm »
I have found that the rear pads on mine will wear down, but the brake fluid level sensor sometimes doesnt pick up the lower level of fluid unless you unscrew the brake fluid cap and tighten it back ( air lock i suppose?). So the rear ones on my mk5 gti should have a warning light via the brake fluid sensor but not always the case.

Yes i think calipers dont like to have the piston come all the way out, and some have issues thereafter from my experience. Maybe if the piston rubber is crap and if the piston is all the way out, then its more likely to get dirt or corrosion on the piston which can cause it to seize. The front near side on my gti 2006 has a brake pad sensor within the pad that brakes a circuit contact and throws up a warning light to let you know when to change the front. I suppose its down to you really and if your brake pads are expensive, like EBC and how heavy you are with braking.  The difference between 3mm and like 5mm would probably be heat and more fluid requirements? maybe? 3mm isnt something id personally run with just because it doesnt give me much time to replace, and if your heavy braking with the piston all the way out iso to speak, id think its hydraulic nature would be at its limit. So i guess it depends? age of car, fluid level, heavy or light braking, cost of brake pads, time you have left to change them etc


One thing i have noticed on my vw, if the brake pad sliders are not free of crap, especially on the rear, the parts that slide against the brake mount, then one brake pad will take more pressure than the other. Common knowledge but something to definetly look out for when you change or inspect your pads i suppose
« Last Edit: December 06, 2019, 02:08:39 pm by Dunkdafunk »

Offline Lewo

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Re: When to replace brake pads?
« Reply #10 on: December 07, 2019, 02:55:51 am »
Cheers Dunk, some helpful info there.  :happy2: