Replace brake pads around 3 millimeters of remaining friction material, or when you hear grinding. Waiting damages the rotors and raises the repair cost.
Key takeaways
- Squeal is an early alert.
- Grinding means act now.
- Measure to confirm.
Warning signs
Squeal, grind, pulsing and longer stops.
The measurement
Around 3 mm is the common replacement threshold.
What waiting costs
Metal on metal scores rotors.
Pad types
Ceramic, semi-metallic and organic have different wear and noise.
Brake lights
Check them too.
Pads, rotors and noise
Squealing can come from the wear indicator but also from glazed pads or missing shims. A grinding noise means the pad material is gone. A pulsing pedal usually means rotor thickness variation. A technician measures both pads and rotors and checks that calipers slide freely. That tells whether pads alone or pads and rotors need replacing.
Stopping on hills and in traffic
Brakes work hardest on long downhill grades such as the Grapevine and in stop-and-go traffic on Union Ave. Using a lower gear on descents reduces heat. Brake fluid that has absorbed moisture boils at lower temperatures and can cause a soft pedal. If your pedal feels spongy after a long descent, get the fluid tested.
Brake lights, ABS and the electrical side
Brakes include electrical parts: the brake light switch, wheel speed sensors for ABS and the wiring to the dash warning lights. A brake light that stays on or never comes on may be a switch rather than a pad problem. An ABS light usually means a sensor or wiring fault. Because we diagnose electrical problems daily, we can tell these apart quickly instead of replacing pads that were fine.
Need help in south Bakersfield?
Questions about brake service? Read our Brake Service page, call (661) 599-9098 or request a time. Peña's Auto Electric, Smog & Repair, 303 Taft Hwy, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93307. Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Why do brakes squeal?
Wear indicators.
Can I drive with grinding?
No.
Do rotors need replacing?
Depends on measurement.
How long do pads last?
It varies with driving.