Brake pads - how low do you go?

[tim0409]

Inspired by the tyre thread, I just wondered when you change your pads? I took my 118d into BMW the last month (for warranty work) and was told that my pads were "down to 3mm and would need changed in the next 500 miles". When I checked the pads they were actually 6mm - that was over 2000 miles ago and they haven't worn much since. I bought some pads from EPC the other day for a decent price and intend changing them when the weather warms up a bit - I just wondered what is good practice re the minimum thickness of material left before changing.

[Gary C]

When they grind, it's probably time

[Krikkit]

Have a look for manufacturer recommended changes, I do it around then generally. That said, being a DIY'ist, it's not a huge expense to change them a bit sooner.

[motco]

Gary C said:

When they grind, it's probably time

No, too early! My son drove his Uno until the steel backplate was ejected from the caliper. Pedal was bit long though...

[carreauchompeur]

I changed mine recently, they were down to 7mm a year and 5000 miles ago so it seemed a decent time, off to Wales in a couple of weeks so wanted to be 100% happy with my brakes.

Having seen the old pads there was loads of meat left though!

[littleredrooster]

My Bro-in-law had his original front pads changed when they still had about 8mm left after 96,000 miles because they had gone rusty and were starting to delaminate.

Citroen Picasso which was used for a regular journey from Northumberland to France, mostly only using the brakes a couple of times per trip.