When to change brake pads?

[steveg]

Hi all

noticed my rear pads are down to 2mm , what is the minimum recommended before changing , strangley the original front pads are still fine 3.5 mm left after 27 k miles whereas rears only last approx 13 - 15 k I am on 2nd set off rear pads???

Cheers Steve

[yorkie_chris]

If they're wearing quickly then is the caliper serviced? If it's dragging then it'll wear the pads out quicker.

[steveg]

Yep caliper is serviced , just seem to go through rear pads quickly , but do alot of filtering on daily commute ??

What do you recon the min pad thickness is before needs replacing ??

Cheers Steve

I replace the pads when they start making a loud grinding/scraping noise as you brake.

[flymo]

I think waiting for scraping sounds is a bit late.

Advice I got from EBC about their pads was pretty good. They mentioned that the closer the you get to the metal part of the pad then the less effective the insulation from heat. When enough friction material remains then less heat is transferred to the metal backing plate. When this plate begins to heat it retains heat for longer and can heat up everything around it, including the discs causing potential warp.

If you are filtering around town all the time though then I dont think you'll have a problem. Change them when they get close.

[steveg]

I think waiting for scraping sounds is a bit late.

Advice I got from EBC about their pads was pretty good. They mentioned that the closer the you get to the metal part of the pad then the less effective the insulation from heat. When enough friction material remains then less heat is transferred to the metal backing plate. When this plate begins to heat it retains heat for longer and can heat up everything around it, including the discs causing potential warp.

If you are filtering around town all the time though then I dont think you'll have a problem. Change them when they get close.

Cool will keep a eye on them , as already said when you hear the scraping sound its too late and discs cost alot more than pads

Just read in Haynes I found out for an old bike I used to own and states min thickness is 1mm so should be ok for a while

Cheers Steve

[yorkie_chris]

One thing to remember though; replacing the pads a bit before it's entirely necessary is far cheaper than leaving it too late and having to get a new disc too.

[dyzio]

Damn! Same thing here!
Bike is on 28k, I was servicing the front callipers, fitting new pads and hoses. Out of geek curiosity, I've checked the condition of the rear pads. Although I've changed them about 11k (EBC organic) ago, they urgently need replacing again.
What wonders me is:
- the front ones were low, but still safe to ride. Can OEM pads do 28k? (I assume the previous owner hasn't changed them) I'm no Rossi but I ain't captain slow either...
- one pad is worn visibly more than the other (rear pads)

The front pads have been changed to EBC organic as well now, I hope they will last more than 10k. Never owned a bike before so don't know much about brake wear...

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

One thing to remember though; replacing the pads a bit before it's entirely necessary is far cheaper than leaving it too late and having to get a new disc too.

+ 1

I eat through rear pads on the 800, best to replace them before it gets to late...

[dyzio]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

One thing to remember though; replacing the pads a bit before it's entirely necessary is far cheaper than leaving it too late and having to get a new disc too.

I will remember that from last time


Dave,
roughly, how many miles does "eat through" mean?