Brake Pads
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 184
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Brake Pads
Hey guys just wondering when you guys replace your brake pads. Mine work fine but have 36k miles on my car and wondering if I should change them. Pretty cheap from Suncoast for a set. Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 587
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From: Richmond, VA
IMO
I replaced mine at 54k and found that braking performance was greatly improved. Also the brake pedal feel went from a mushy (push the floor) to firm (tap the brake and feel it grip that rotor).
The brake light never came on and I did my fronts first. Found that they prob had a couple thousand mile left. Braking improved just with the fronts and pedal feel was improved. The backs I did a couple weeks later. Found they had prob 40-50% left. I was kind of surprised, but replaced them, Braking improved even more and pedal feel was greatly improved.
So I think waiting for the light is too late. Go by pedal feel if you want the best performance, if you like hitting others then wait for the light.
When a light comes on it means "Hey, Idiot Wake-Up" I call then Idiot lights.
I replaced mine at 54k and found that braking performance was greatly improved. Also the brake pedal feel went from a mushy (push the floor) to firm (tap the brake and feel it grip that rotor).
The brake light never came on and I did my fronts first. Found that they prob had a couple thousand mile left. Braking improved just with the fronts and pedal feel was improved. The backs I did a couple weeks later. Found they had prob 40-50% left. I was kind of surprised, but replaced them, Braking improved even more and pedal feel was greatly improved.
So I think waiting for the light is too late. Go by pedal feel if you want the best performance, if you like hitting others then wait for the light.
When a light comes on it means "Hey, Idiot Wake-Up" I call then Idiot lights.
Last edited by evansaero; Feb 22, 2007 at 09:48 AM.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,573
Likes: 97
From: great white north
Originally Posted by evansaero
IMO
I replaced mine at 54k and found that braking performance was greatly improved. Also the brake pedal feel went from a mushy (push the floor) to firm (tap the brake and feel it grip that rotor).
The brake light never came on and I did my fronts first. Found that they prob had a couple thousand mile left. Braking improved just with the fronts and pedal feel was improved. The backs I did a couple weeks later. Found they had prob 40-50% left. I was kind of surprised, but replaced them, Braking improved even more and pedal feel was greatly improved.
So I think waiting for the light is too late. Go by pedal feel if you want the best performance, if you like hitting others than wait for the light.
When a light comes one it means "Hey, Idiot Wake-Up" I call them Idiot lights.
I replaced mine at 54k and found that braking performance was greatly improved. Also the brake pedal feel went from a mushy (push the floor) to firm (tap the brake and feel it grip that rotor).
The brake light never came on and I did my fronts first. Found that they prob had a couple thousand mile left. Braking improved just with the fronts and pedal feel was improved. The backs I did a couple weeks later. Found they had prob 40-50% left. I was kind of surprised, but replaced them, Braking improved even more and pedal feel was greatly improved.
So I think waiting for the light is too late. Go by pedal feel if you want the best performance, if you like hitting others than wait for the light.
When a light comes one it means "Hey, Idiot Wake-Up" I call them Idiot lights.
I was told that braking doesn't improve when you install new pads. You will have the same amount of braking force as you would if your pads were worn.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by jumper5836
I was told that braking doesn't improve when you install new pads. You will have the same amount of braking force as you would if your pads were worn.
I should also state that I bleed the brakes weeks before (didn't help much) I replaced the pads
I remember that day I said I needed to replace them. I was prob going 15-20 MPH and a kid step out in front of me and I had to slam on the brakes. The car felt like it went into "fade mode". I thought I was going to hit her. I replaced them and have tried the same 15-20 stop and there is a difference.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 101
From: TEXAS
Ok So you want a serious answer 
Changing brake pads alone will not improve brake performance unless you have previously damaged the pads or rotors. The most common way of this happening is over heating which will possibly glaze the pads and rotor, or worst case warp the rotor. Once a glaze has formed it can be removed by scuffing the pads and rotor with light sandpaper but if the event was severe the pads may never recover. Another way to damage the pads is for them to become impregnated with cleaning agents used on wheels. They will most times never recover from this either. I am sure others will chime in on other ways to damage pads and rotors 
Changing brake pads alone will not improve brake performance unless you have previously damaged the pads or rotors. The most common way of this happening is over heating which will possibly glaze the pads and rotor, or worst case warp the rotor. Once a glaze has formed it can be removed by scuffing the pads and rotor with light sandpaper but if the event was severe the pads may never recover. Another way to damage the pads is for them to become impregnated with cleaning agents used on wheels. They will most times never recover from this either. I am sure others will chime in on other ways to damage pads and rotors
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by Steven C.
Ok So you want a serious answer Changing brake pads alone will not improve brake performance unless you have previously damaged the pads or rotors. The most common way of this happening is over heating which will possibly glaze the pads and rotor, or worst case warp the rotor. Once a glaze has formed it can be removed by scuffing the pads and rotor with light sandpaper but if the event was severe the pads may never recover. Another way to damage the pads is for them to become impregnated with cleaning agents used on wheels. They will most times never recover from this either. I am sure others will chime in on other ways to damage pads and rotors
Changing brake pads alone will not improve brake performance unless you have previously damaged the pads or rotors. The most common way of this happening is over heating which will possibly glaze the pads and rotor, or worst case warp the rotor. Once a glaze has formed it can be removed by scuffing the pads and rotor with light sandpaper but if the event was severe the pads may never recover. Another way to damage the pads is for them to become impregnated with cleaning agents used on wheels. They will most times never recover from this either. I am sure others will chime in on other ways to damage pads and rotors 
Would glazed pads have a glossy look to them?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 101
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by evansaero
Thanks for the info. Makes since now
Would glazed pads have a glossy look to them?
Would glazed pads have a glossy look to them?
