When should I change my brake pads

[Retz]

Yep because the caliper piston moves to maintain the distance of the pad with the rotor. And when this happens as the pads wear, the fluid tends to stay on the brake lines instead of the reservoir. When you get new pads, you push the piston back and the fluid returns to its reservoir.

I see. So when you hear high pitch sound when engaging your brake pedal or the fluid level from the reservoir lessens or diminishes, it is safe to assume that it is now time to replaced your brake pedal.

[Ry_Tower]

I see. So when you hear high pitch sound when engaging your brake pedal or the fluid level from the reservoir lessens or diminishes, it is safe to assume that it is now time to replaced your brake pedal.

Don't assume, visual checking by a competent mechanic is still best. Delikado yan.

[OTEP]

It's safe to assume that it's time to check the brakes.

In one of the vehicles I use, the brakes make a high pitch noise but the pads are not worn. I think the rotor and pad just got dirty from off-road use. So now, we check at least one side at every oil change.

[vinj]

Under normal circumstances, you can check and clean your brakes every 10,000kms. If you drive under heavy braking conditions (high speed, mountain roads, heavy automatic vehicle, etc), every service stop, check and clean your brakes.

The pads also have wear indicators which make a consistent high pitch sound whenever you brake once the pad reaches a certain wear point.

[Retz]

Does frequent hard and sudden braking will greatly wear down your brake pads easily?

[mda]

Yes.

Also, riding your brakes downhill (even if pressure applied on the pedal is minimal) will wear your brakes.

[jick.cejoco]

Yep because the caliper piston moves to maintain the distance of the pad with the rotor. And when this happens as the pads wear, the fluid tends to stay on the brake lines instead of the reservoir. When you get new pads, you push the piston back and the fluid returns to its reservoir.

when your pads are worn out, you push the caliper pistons back inside its bore. this process usually dumps the old, moisture laden and contaminated brake fluid back to the master cylinder. my practice is to clamp the brake hose with a hose pincher to prevent the old fluid to return to the master cylinder and open the bleeder screw as i push the piston back to dump the old moisture laden contaminated fluid out. then, when the piston is seated back, close the bleeder screw and remove the hose pincher. this of course requires replenishing the master cylinder with fresh unadulterated brake fluid

[Retz]

Yes.

Also, riding your brakes downhill (even if pressure applied on the pedal is minimal) will wear your brakes.

okay, will take note of that sir. thanks!

[Retz]

OT:

Just wanted to ask regarding brake hydraulic system. I was reading the manual and it indicates that it has two(2) brakes sub system. Just in case one failed, the other one will function. Question is, spare lang ba ung isang brake system? or the two(2) system is working all the time?

[miked]

^2 common types of brake system:
1. conventional (front circuit, rear circuit)- usually on front engine, rear wheel driven cars.
2. split diagonal - usually found on front drive, front engined cars

the front brakes is usually the first to bite and the other circuit will also bite under relatively heavy braking. hydraulic control is also utilized by using proportioning valves (load sensing types, etc) so as not to add the braking force by driver, prevent the rear wheels skidding on sudden braking, etc.

i usually check my left front wheel and at the same time, an inspection of the wheel bearing too. if it's good then probably the other brakes are good provided no physical leaks