QA

Question: How To Measure Brake Pad Thickness

How to check brake pads: Measure the brake pad thickness by placing the compass points between the backing plate and the rotor. Measure the brake pad thickness at both the top and the bottom of the pad.

What thickness do brake pads need to be replaced?

Most manufacturers and mechanics will also agree that you should probably replace your brake pads once they reach 75% worn, or 3mm thick.

How can you tell the thickness of brake pads without removing the wheels?

Method Cut the straw where you have marked it. Place the cut-off end of the straw next to your ruler and mark 5mm from the end. Move the mark to 0mm on your ruler and take your final measurement. If your brake pads are 4mm and less, consider replacing them.

How many mm thick are brake pads?

The friction material on a new brake pad is typically about 8-12 millimeters thick, and those that are ready for replacement are worn down to about 3 mm.

How long will 7mm brake pads last?

No worries to replace until it gets down below 2mm. The wear indicator will cause the brakes to squeal as a reminder. 7mm should last for years on the rear and the front would depend on your driving habits.

How do I know what brake pads to buy?

You need to consider how long the pads are designed to last as well as the rotor when engaging the brake pads. Noise and Vibration: You’ll want to consider how much noise, vibration, and even pedal feel pressing down on the brake pad will cause. Dust Levels: Brake pads may collect dust that then clings to your wheel.

Is 4 mm brake pads OK?

Typically, 4mm of brake pad is recommended, so if you think they’re thinner than that, it’s time to get them checked and possibly replaced. It’s possible that your brake linings aren’t wearing evenly from a Brake Pad sticking, a Brake Caliper dragging or even brake hose collapsed.

How many miles will 3mm brake pads last?

Recommended Brake Pad Thickness It should take about 50,000 miles (more or less) for the thickness to 3 to 4 millimeters. It all depends on how aggressively and frequently you use your brakes so while 50k miles is average for many, 20k miles may be more realistic for some.

How long will 8mm brake pads last?

Depends of a few factors, like how do you drive, do you track your car, highway or city driving if you are a middle of the road driver, with average use and miles driven, I would guess 8 mm will get you 40-60K miles or so. IF you drive more like me then maybe 15-20K miles. (I tend to track my cars).

Can I check my own brake pads?

On many vehicles, you can see the brake pad through the holes in the wheel. To check the life of the brake pad, you need to determine its thickness. You might need a flashlight to get a good look at the brake pad. If the pads look thin, less than 1/4″, it might be time to get them replaced.

What does brakes at 4mm mean?

Yes. A general guideline is replace them when they are equal to the thickness of the backing material. At 4 mm, yours are considerably less then that. When they’re that thin an emergency stop can peel the remaining material of the steel backing and steel on steel is a very poor replacement for the brake material.

How long will 1 mm of brakes last?

11mm is the starting point for the brake pads. You have used 7mm in 33k miles because you have 4mm left. It will take 33/7 or 5K miles to wear another 1mm.

What does brakes at 3mm mean?

Most of the brake pads have sensors in them. The metal sensor usually becomes defined and makes contact with the disc when a 12 mm thick brake pad is 3mm worn out. On new vehicles, the display will show this warning. If the brake pads are worn to about 25%, they need to be replaced, it also depends on how you drive.

Is 5mm on brake pads OK?

At 5 MM you have roughly 50% of the brake pads remaining, but you should plan on replacing them when they wear below 2 MM. Nobody can say as it depends on driving style and how aggressively you brake, new brake pads are around 10mm thick, you should probably replace your brake pads once they wear down to about 3mm.

Is 6mm good for brake pads?

Ideally, your brake pads should be thicker than 6.4 mm (¼ inches) for proper functioning. If it’s thinner than this, consider getting a replacement soon. Most car mechanics also agree that the bare minimum brake pad thickness is 3.2 mm (⅛ inches).

What is the minimum brake pad thickness for mot?

MOT test & Brakes Disc thickness cannot be measured to check if it falls below the manufacturers minimum settings. Unless the tester can see that the pad thickness is below 3mm he cannot fail the vehicle. More often than not you cannot see the pads to be able to make a judgement.