DO you use your handbrake a lot!!!

My MY98 is about 2 and a half years old and has done 34000 miles. I have told my dealer not to change the pads at previous services because I want to change them myself when they wear out (possibly to Mintex or similar). I checked them 2 weeks ago and was amazed to see that there's at least 1-2cm of pad left at the front. I think that I drive quite fast (most of the time) but do not go to track days (so far). I admit that I use engine braking alot (and yes I know that new pads are cheaper than a new gearbox).

I'd be interested to know your thoughts on how long front pads normally last and how driving style affects tyre/pad/disk wear.

D.

You don't drive fast enough!
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

1-2CM? Centimetres?? Surely pads don't come with 2CM of 'pad'? Are you looking at the caliper? or backing plate??

mine didnt wear out until 40K and even then all of the pads but 1 were pretty much still usable... they took forever to wear out...

hmmmm...
drive faster... brake harder http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif

GaryC

You must think I'm stupid. Ok I've looked at what 2 cm really is, and I think that 1 cm is probably nearer the mark. I've changed brake pads several times before and from memory, there's normally 2-3 cm of pad (i.e. friction material, not metal) to start with. The point is that I do drive hard, yet the pads seem to be lasting forever.

D.

Even 1CM is way over 50% of the pad? either you don't use your brakes, or are getting phenomenally low wear?

I do 80% motorway, and still go though pads every 12-14k! http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/eek.gif

I bought my car with 45K (motorway driving) on the clock with original rear pads, had to replace them at 52K! Not bad, but the fronts don't seem to last quite so long :-)

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PAD WITH 3 cm ON IT. THAT ABOUT |---3cm------------| THIS MUCH, BOY THATS SOME PAD

MAYBE THIS MUCH |---3CM--