This is surely a stupid question, but I'm woefully ignorant when it comes to automobiles.

How long are brake pads supposed to last? I had them replaced in the Fall, but my brakes have been making a real sharp grinding sound lately and I think the pads might already be worn down. Could this be true?I drive an '06 Honda Pilot and probably put 400 miles on her every week.

Thanks in advance,

Tegan

Lol why is this in the MTF section

Too many variables to be certain how long they should last. It depends on the pad compound, how hard you drive, the condition of the brake disks  (rotors) and the callipers etc. Either way, you need to get them checked out. Aside from another vehicle or a brick wall, they are the only things that are going to stop you. And you do not want to hit a person. Unintentionally at least....

Hi Tegan,
They are probably just have sand or other winter crud in them and need to be cleaned.  Unless of course you never release the hand brake.  In any case a brake shop can check it out in a flash, probably for little or nothing.  Get that done soon, if you scar the rotors it is big bucks.  If they were installed correctly last fall they ought to last 30 to 50 k miles.  Nice chatting with you.  The sun came out at last in Seattle, and the cherry blossoms have exploded.
Cheers,
Julie

Sorry, Panda, this is the section I was in when I thought to write the post. I didn't think to look for an automotives section.

Nikkit, I'm definitely getting it checked out, today if possible. It's just so weird- I'm braking fine, but the sound is awful.

Julie, that sounds likely (re: crud). Hopefully this'll be a cheap date with the mechanic because I really don't need another big bill. Thank you.

Oh, and I'm glad to hear about the cherry blossoms. It sounds really nice.

Well, cheers,
Tegan

Quote from: sad panda on March 31, 2014, 05:34:50 PM
Lol why is this in the MTF section

what? We cant find the sound of a 455 cubic inches at wide open throttle orgasmic too?!?


Hmm, they shouldnt wear out that fast unless you got the bargan bin break pads, slam on the breaks every other stop and drive in the city/ suburbs... out here in the country pads last a good 30-40 thousand miles... I dont know who did your pads but it sounds like a bad wear pattern, either the rotors need to be turned or the calipers were put on crooked... impossible to tell without looking at the wear pattern on the old pads. does the brake pedal feel soft for the first few inches of travel? check the brake fluid level too, if the level has fallen below the fill line (about 1/4 of an inch below the cap) then the pads are worn or you have a leak. (leak is not likely, youd know if you had one).

Some cars, Especially Car based SUV imports have severely undersized brake pads, leading to premature wear.

Keep in mind with modern break pads (especially cheap ones) the occasional sequel is normal, now if it squeals every other time you hit the pedal then yes, its time to change the pads.

Does that make sense?  Communication is not my strong suit lol

Good luck,
The Pacific Northwest in the spring is just gosh awful beautiful.  Fresh lime green trees, crystal white mountains, blossoms everywhere and in the Skagit Valley hundreds of acres of daffodils and tulips.  I'll be doing a lot of biking the next few weeks I hope. I hope you don't have to 
j

Lol, thanks Julie.

Coldnight, I'm sure you explained that wonderfully. Unfortunately, as I read it my eyes glazed over and I started to drool a bit. I guess I just don't speak that language.

But I'm leaving the mechanic now. Yes, it looks like the pads were just worn down. Not a biggie. I'll be out a hundred bucks.

Thanks,
Tegan

Depending on where you live it is most likely just winter crud.  If your in the south it sounds like you may have some way budget brakes.
If your near Atlanta.  Your welcome to bring the car by my shop I will be happy to take alook at it and fix it for a little more than cost.
(a girls gotta eat too)

You only need some basic tools to replace your own brakes. 

Speaking of brakes, I have to redo the brakes on a 28' motorhome for my neighbor in the next few weeks. Its gotta be easier than replacing a blown piston in the 454 engine in it that I had to do a few years ago though. Talk about being rough on nails...

You could always just take a tire off for the front and back, and see how worn down they are.

About a year ago I had a few accidents (not my fault, I just live in Alaska so like many others in northern areas I have to deal with driving in winter conditions for a good amount of the year). Last winter, I had old studded tires, and (didn't know at the time) worn down brake pads.

The repairs for the accidents were just my broken CV axle, and a bent tire rod I had to get shipped in because there were none in state. However the mechanic showed me my brake pads, and I was ULTRA close to having worn them all the way down.

Quote from: sad panda on March 31, 2014, 05:34:50 PM
Lol why is this in the MTF section

Hey now... LOL... There are some girl who like cars believe it or not... I'm a total car freak and that isn't going to change just because I am in transition... Besides that men think there is nothing more sexy that a girl with a tool in their hand and under a car... (Big Smile)

As to your question Tegan the general rule of thumb is if they are making noise its time to get them checked. There is actually a device for lack of better words built into the brake pad that causes the brakes to make noise before it completely damages the rotor. So you might want to get them checked...

New brake pads tomorrow. Thanks all.

Yeah, I thought it'd kind of be playing into stereotypes to post this in the FTM section. Besides, I knew my ladies had my back.

G'night,
Teg

Some pads have the wear indicators on them that make noise before the pads are completely shot, and some don't. Nothing beats an occasional visual inspection to see how much pad is left. Sometimes you don't even have to take the wheel off to check.

I've had the best luck with top of the line ceramic pads. You don't get the awful black brake dust on the wheel and they last a long time. I've had cheap pads wear out in less than 20k miles before. When you hear grinding it's usually too late, and you are going to spend more to have the rotors resurfaced or replaced. Another classic problem is sticking calipers keeping the pads pressed up against the rotors even when you don't have your foot on the brakes. This usually shows up with pulling to one side when you hit the brakes, or with one pad wearing far faster than the rest of them.

And yes, there is nothing wrong with a girl that likes cars and can twist a wrench. One of my daughters is a complete car nut; she loves the classic cars from the late 60's and 70's like Chevelles and Firebirds, and she can do light mechanical work too.

  Ok so people may not realize but there are 3 grade levels to brake pads.... sound like you got the economy version.  High side is about 50 to 60,000 mi. Also if your a heavy brake user they will have shorter life span. Don't worry about road stuff getting into them... it's normal. I've worked as a mechanic and not all my toys are snap on.... ha ha ha ha.