How Do You Check Brake Pads

[Warstud]

I find it to be alot of trouble having to remove the wheel just to check the condition of the brake pads . So one idea was sticking my phone thru the wheel and taking a pic or using a mirror but dont have one small enough . I also thought about painting the pad yellow ....... that idea is from some yellow brake pads I saw on Amazon . So does anyone have any ideas to add ?

 

[RooflessVW]

I check them when I rotate the tires...

 

[97prizm]

Never paint brake pads. There should be notches or clips. The clips squeal when close to replacement.

 

[RooflessVW]

Never paint brake pads. There should be notches or clips. The clips squeal when close to replacement.

Every brake pad I've ever bought has been painted.

 

[totegoat]

Easy to check when rotating the tires..........

 

[Ihatetochangeoil]

I take the wheel off, get a bright flashlight, and use this handy little measuring tool. If memory serves me correctly, new pads are 11mm thick. If I'm off with that guess, I can verify with new pads I have sitting on shelves in the garage. I think I have about 6 sets on hand. (I have 4 cars which take the same pads).

https://a.co/d/jk2FUYB

I also write down my results which I keep on a spreadsheet for each vehicle, so when they get close, I can take a pretty good guess from my own records time for replacement.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Every couple years after installation I clean and lube the front pads and slider pins. If there is any question I order the parts and let 'er rip.
I just did this on our perfect 2006 Acura TSX.

 

[Gyro Gearloose]

If you have spoke type wheels, a little 2 inch mechanic's mirror on a swivel stick and a flashlight can usually get you a pretty good view. Depends on the caliper design though. Some are easier than others.

 

[SC Maintenance]

You can get a cheap borescope for like 25 bucks if your really concerned.

Mine last forever so eventually I get the tire off and look. As mentioned they should start scraping if the spring clip is installed correctly.

https://a.co/d/7kdmhnQ

 

[99Saturn]

I check them when I rotate the tires...

Same here.

 

[Warstud]

Every brake pad I've ever bought has been painted.

I would think it would be alright around the edge . It sure would make them easier to see . How long does the paint last ?

 

[RooflessVW]

I would think it would be alright around the edge . It sure would make them easier to see . How long does the paint last ?

Paint lasts until I take the pads off here in NC

 

[Dave Hess]

Paint lasts until I take the pads off here in NC

Do they salt the roads in your area during the winter ?

 

[SHOZ]

I had some of those yellow pads. The brake dust ends up covering up the paint.

 

[RooflessVW]

Do they salt the roads in your area during the winter ?

What winter

 

[Warstud]

Never paint brake pads. There should be notches or clips. The clips squeal when close to replacement.

Those Clips aren't always on there

 

[andyd]

The blue Camry SE has wear clips. AMHIK My son has better ears than I do. He heard the tinkle long before I heard the scrape

 

[supton]

Every spring I take mine apart and lube the ears. Good time to check. If I’m ambitious I do the same in the fall. If I go two years without doing that, they will seize up and sometimes prematurely wear out otherwise.

 

[SHOZ]

Every spring I take mine apart and lube the ears. Good time to check. If I’m ambitious I do the same in the fall. If I go two years without doing that, they will seize up and sometimes prematurely wear out otherwise.

Same with me and my Accent that I use in the winter. I just took the pins out and relubed sprayed cleaner on the pad ear area.

 

[02zx9r rev2]

Same with me and my Accent that I use in the winter. I just took the pins out and relubed sprayed cleaner on the pad ear area.

Same here in MA.