Pads & Discs

[POB]

Is there a way I can work out when my break pads are worn? as every car I have owned I have managed to require discs at the same time.

Might save me some money in future if I can work this out.

Car is always serviced to schedule, but its 20k or 2 years.

 

[DJMK4]

Disks should be fine for a while and shouldn't need to be replaced as regularly as pads, unless your pads are crap or are that worn that they damage the disk.

 

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Never heard of break pads, is your car a hovercraft?

 

[Matt82]

i find that disc never wear evenly, therefore if you put new pads on, it wont be making consistent contact with the disc

i nearly always end up replacing discs and pads at the same time

 

[beermonster]

I've a feeling its just the service centre telling you you're discs are shot, when they actually have plenty of life in them. I've never had to replaced discs again after having had a new set of discs and pads, but then again I hardly ever use my brakes compared to these people that sit there with the brakes on down hill.

 

[4T5]

i nearly always end up replacing discs and pads at the same time

What the hell Can i be your mechanic ?

I've a feeling its just the service centre telling you you're discs are shot, when they actually have plenty of life in them.

This is much more likely.

O.P.
Just look at the pads through the little gap in the calipers & don't let them get to low.
The only way you'll destroy your discs is by Hard braking when the pads are real low.

 

[Firestar_3x]

i find that disc never wear evenly, therefore if you put new pads on, it wont be making consistent contact with the disc

i nearly always end up replacing discs and pads at the same time

On non nailed discs the variation in surface height shouldn't be excessive, for example i've just changed the rear discs on my car, they must have been on 50k + because i've never changed them no real issue with surface variation.

With this in mind its more than in scope for the pad to wear rather quickly to match the contour of the disc surface.

 

[Jez]

i find that disc never wear evenly, therefore if you put new pads on, it wont be making consistent contact with the disc

i nearly always end up replacing discs and pads at the same time

I am going to suggest that you just drive agressively mate, my front discs lasted for 150k miles on the S before i felt the need to change them, rear discs are still going and look pretty much fine 165k and counting. The new fronts (on 15k ago) still look the same as the day they were installed

 

[Matt82]

its all the time with me... and on mates' cars its fine to just do pads!

ill dig out an old disc and show you what i mean :S

 

[POB]

Thanks for the replies.

I do trust the garage, and I have been to a number of different ones in the past with different cars and its always been both.

I guess its either my driving style, or the fact the brakes slowly degrade without me noticing to a point where I ruin them in the last few days.