When & how to change brake pads?

[markian]

Hi Everyone,

How do I know when it's time to change the brake pads? Secondly, is it worth doing it on my own and how?

Markian
TDI '02
Toronto, ON

[dunno513]

Originally Posted by markian

Hi Everyone,

How do I know when it's time to change the brake pads? Secondly, is it worth doing it on my own and how?

Markian
TDI '02
Toronto, ON

As with any automotive service, yes it's worth it $$$ to do it on your own. Lots of write-ups on brake pad / rotor changes here. Disks are much easier than drums so easy car to learn on.

[blockphi]

When to change your brake pads? When the alarm goes off telling you that they need replacing...Yes, there really is an alarm to tell you when to replace the brakes. As far as doing it yourself, I say go for it. I did the fronts in a matter of a couple hours. The only slightly odd tool you will need is a non-standard size Allen wrench (I don't remember the size off hand, but I had to buy one as I did not have one in my tool box).

Make sure to replace both the rotors and pads or have the rotors surfaced before putting on new pads, otherwise the new pads will likely get shredded by the old grooves in the rotors. There are a number of tutorials available to help with this job over at http://www.tdiclub.com/

[noR]

Please learn to check your pad and rotors w/o relying on 1 little sensor located on 1 out of 8 pads. Uneven wear could lead you to disasterous effects if you rely solely on the trouble light.

You should be able to look and see how much pad is left on the outside of the rotors, the inner pads you'll need to be under the car to see.

Run a fingernail in a line going out from the center of the rotor; Hoepfully it's not badly grooved. Some fluctuation is okay, but nothing drastic.

[blockphi]

Both fronts on my bug had sensors... I agree, it is not wise to rely only on the electronics of the car to determine when new pads are needed, when new oil is needed, and etc. Learning to be proactive in terms of maintainence and repair is a great thing to do. I was being a bit flippant with my previous remark. My bad.

[noR]

Nah it's all good; I dunno you or your depth of knowledge in the field. I just always try to push it a bit further, no problem in your recommendation really.

[paix247]

I have to really press down on my brake in order to stop. I didn't really notice it until I drove a brand new Jetta the other day & its brakes were very responsive.

How do I know if I need new brake pads or just a brake fluid flush?

thanks

[lojasmo]

Originally Posted by paix247

How do I know if I need new brake pads or just a brake fluid flush?

thanks

Look at, and measure the brake pads. If they are thin, they need to be replaced.

If they are normal, flush the fluid.

[markian]

thanks for all your help

markian