How long do brakes last?
- Thread starter rockwall
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Brake pads aren't something that are generally changed on a "mileage interval." There are really too many variables (city vs. highway use, driving habits, towing, braking force, etc.), so in general, you are simply supposed to change them as needed. Most oil change places will check your brakes as part of the package, and they'll usually let you know if they need changing. If you change it yourself, most pads are designed to squeak or screech when they need changing.
Most of my driving is highway with some city. Changed all four at about 42k. The front ones were near the end of life and the rear ones could have been used more, but changed them anyway. I don't do any towing. BTW be prepared for a stuck front caliper piston if you have never inspected them before. It's usually the inboard lower piston. Although you might be one of the lucky ones not to have one, but I had to change mine. Covered by warranty so didn't pay a dime.
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swise
New member
If you remove the tire and look at the rear of the rotor/caliper, you can see a horizontal groove in the middle of the pads(see pic) this is a visual indicator of life left. These have 30k on them and are at half life.
at about 1/8 thickness left, there is a little "nub" of metal that will be exposed and begin to squeal as it hits the rotor surface. This tells you its past time for new pads, as this will begin to destroy the rotors.
at about 1/8 thickness left, there is a little "nub" of metal that will be exposed and begin to squeal as it hits the rotor surface. This tells you its past time for new pads, as this will begin to destroy the rotors.
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Nuke
New member
That's like asking "When will I die?"
I've had brakes last anywhere from 30,000 miles to over 150,000 miles. It depends on many factors; city driving, highway driving, towing, do you downshift, aggressive driving, yada yada.
I had 150,000 miles on a Celica and insisted the dealership replace the brakes. I was nose to nose with the service manager arguing that I NEEDED brakes and he was arguing NO I DON'T and he refused to put brakes on a car that didn't need them. And even with towing campers and boats with my T4R's (I'm on my third), the earliest I've put brakes on those was at 95,000 miles.
A mechanic friend of mine replaced my 3rd gen rotors and brakes (nothing wrong, just wanted better stopping power) and at 60,000 miles he said the pads he removed looked almost new.
I've had brakes last anywhere from 30,000 miles to over 150,000 miles. It depends on many factors; city driving, highway driving, towing, do you downshift, aggressive driving, yada yada.
I had 150,000 miles on a Celica and insisted the dealership replace the brakes. I was nose to nose with the service manager arguing that I NEEDED brakes and he was arguing NO I DON'T and he refused to put brakes on a car that didn't need them. And even with towing campers and boats with my T4R's (I'm on my third), the earliest I've put brakes on those was at 95,000 miles.
A mechanic friend of mine replaced my 3rd gen rotors and brakes (nothing wrong, just wanted better stopping power) and at 60,000 miles he said the pads he removed looked almost new.
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rockwall
New member
Re: Brakes
Thanks for the replies. My 03 still stops as good as ever at 47,000. I am not very hard on my brakes and don't like stopping fast.
I am also on my original battery, but I think that I will change it before winter sets in just to be safe.
These 4Runners last like crazy!
Thanks for the replies. My 03 still stops as good as ever at 47,000. I am not very hard on my brakes and don't like stopping fast.
I am also on my original battery, but I think that I will change it before winter sets in just to be safe.
These 4Runners last like crazy!
FYI, I have seen a few times, not on a 4Runner, but other Toyota/Lexus, where the "nub" promptly broke off when it came in contact with the rotor. The owner continues to drive until pad material was almost gone!!
So, do still check those pads every so often... The "nub" could fail.
DaBoostCreep
New member
05 Sport, Rotated wheels at 50k miles a few days ago and there was alot of pad left.
adkinsadam1
New member
We have never changed ours and are at 65000 miles. All four make a TERRIBLE squealing. Loud and obnoxious. But the inspectors still say they've got tons of life left. Why are they making so much noise???
