SPONSORED LINKS

How to measure brake pad thickness?

Tiny
PHENRIKSEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
It seems that there is general agreement that the brake pads should be changed ASAP when their thickness go below 1/8 of an inch, and doing it soon when it gets below 1/4 of an inch.

Is this correct, and how is it measured? Is the 1/4 of an inch the thickness of the friction pad, or the friction pad plus the lining/backing?
SPONSORED LINKS
Saturday, May 30th, 2009 AT 8:56 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Most pads have wear indicators on them. But I would generally change them at 1/4 inch.

The situation you want to avoid is to let them wear to the point that they cause rotor grooves, or other wear.

Decent pads are generally $20 or so, and Wagner or other high end pads with wear warranty's are in the $40-60 range, I could tell you some story's about brake pads/rotor wear :).

The measurement is pad, not pad and backing.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 10:38 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Brake Pad Rear Content

How to Replace the Rear Brake Pads and Rotors
VIDEO
How to Replace the Rear Brake Pads and Rotors
Instructional repair video
Pad and Rotor Replacement - Rear
GUIDE
Pad and Rotor Replacement - Rear
Step by step instructions on how to replace automotive rear brake pads and rotors. This article pertains to all rear disc brake vehicles. Begin with the vehicle on level...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links