How do I know when it's time to get new brake pads?
 

Hey guys I was wondering if you all could help me out with something. I've been noticing that when I start up my Z and begin to reverse/more forward my brakes squeal super loud. And I've been noticing that the noise has been getting louder. It only happens for the first couple of stop then it goes away. I was just wondering if the sound meant I need new brake pads? And if I change the brake pads should I get new rotors too? Is there a forum favorite? Is there one that won't give off so much brake dust or be aggressive? My car is my daily driver and it only has 24k miles. I do not track my car or drive really fast so I don't need very powerful brake pads. I would really appreciate some guidance :tup:

When sparks start flying out of your wheels when you get on the brakes.

If you're not doing a lot of hard braking, then 24K is probably a little soon for worn out pads - but it's possible. Most brake shops will give you a quick inspection for free or very little. Find one you can trust and get them to check the rotors and pads.

Probably just some "glaze" on the rotors/pads. Make a hard stop (engage the ABS) from 50 mph or so and see if that will get rid of anything on the surfaces. May have to do it 2-3 times.

Edit: Get it checked soon. If the squeal is coming from the pad wear tattletale, it can wear the rotors.

It could also be a dust shield just barely touching the rotor. As things warm it, the shield moves away from the rotor.

Well if I go to a shop and they tell me I need new pads are there any that you guys recommend? And if there are do you all know the price ranges? Thanks.

Hiya there,

Unless you are taking your Z to the race-track... Just buy the replacement OEM pads from the dealer. They're quiet and stop great when cold.

:tup:

+1. For the "light" DDing you describe, stock OEM pads work very well. If you have no complaints with the factory pads, why upgrade? Ofc, if you can get a good deal on some "better" (there's nearly always some tradeoff; more dust, poor cold performance, expense, &c so better is in the eye of the beholder) pads, why not?

Gibby- Nissan will clean and remove the glaze off your rotors.

I have the base brakes and they squeel often. I put new pads in the rear recently and the fronts still have 60% life but squeel sometimes.

Like the others have mentioned, take it out back on a closed road with a good surface and slam on the brakes from 50-60mph a couple times..

Also just in case, make sure there isn't a small rock or something in between the pad and the rotor.

You can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. Pop the wheel off, get a piece of stiff wire (coat hanger). On the back side of the brake caliper are two bolts, untighten them and remove. Wiggle the caliper off, hang caliper on wire from spring, remove brake pad. Look at the brake pad, there should be a groove in the middle. If there isn't time for new pads. You'll only replace rotors if they are warped (can't be resurfaced) or out of spec. I would recommend non-oem pads due to noise and brake dust. I was really happy with EBC on my 350z (just my opinion). To put back together, reverse order and torque bolts to spec.

No need to take the caliper off since they are just caliper pins holding in the pads.

57, 000 on my stock pads+rotors. Done some canyon carving and got the brakes pretty hot....but I neber park the car that hot. Most likely you got some dust buildup or the heat shield is rubbing. Go do some hard braking and see if it does it after you adjust the shield.

I still say look for the sparks. The sparks never lie.

:confused:

the dust shield doesnt touch the rotor, ever.....

Haha ok thanks guys. Gonna go have my brakes checked soon. Thanks for the input!!

My OEM pads got a good glaze on them after a day in the mountains (google NC highway 276) at 29,000 miles. The pads themselves were not worn but started squealing like someone stepping on a baby ostrich. Replaced them with new pads (took 20 minutes tops) and no more sound.