Brake Pad: Testing and Inspection

Lining Inspection Points:

Wear Indicator:

Inspect the brake linings every 6,000 miles and any time the wheels are removed (tire rotation, etc.). Check both ends of the outer lining by looking in at each end of the caliper. These are the points where the highest rate of wear normally occurs. At the same time, check the thickness of thinner lining to make sure it has not worn prematurely. Some inboard shoes and linings have a thermal layer against the shoe, integrally molded with the lining. This extra layer should not be confused with uneven inboard-outboard lining wear. Look down through the inspection hole in the top of the caliper to view the inner lining. Replace disc brake shoe and lining assemblies whenever the thickness of any lining is worn to within 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) of the shoe. Replace riveted shoe and lining assemblies when the lining is worn within 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) of any rivet head. Always replace disc brake shoe and lining assemblies as a complete axle set. Check the flatness of the brake pads by placing the inboard and outboard lining surfaces together and checking for a gap between the lining surfaces. The gap should not exceed 0.13 mm (0.005 inch) at the middle of the lining surfaces. This measurement applies to new or used shoe and lining assemblies. The disc brake shoe and lining assemblies on all models have wear indicators that contact the rotor and make noise when the linings wear to the point of needing replacement. A loud scraping sound can be heard when this occurs.