How do I know when it's time to get new brake pads?

Gibby1113 · 10-05-2013, 11:30 AM

Hey guys I was wondering if you all could help me out with something. I've been noticing that when I start up my Z and begin to reverse/more forward my brakes squeal super loud. And I've been noticing that the noise has been getting louder. It only happens for the first couple of stop then it goes away. I was just wondering if the sound meant I need new brake pads? And if I change the brake pads should I get new rotors too? Is there a forum favorite? Is there one that won't give off so much brake dust or be aggressive? My car is my daily driver and it only has 24k miles. I do not track my car or drive really fast so I don't need very powerful brake pads. I would really appreciate some guidance

Sh0velMan · 10-05-2013, 11:40 AM

When sparks start flying out of your wheels when you get on the brakes.

SouthArk370Z · 10-05-2013, 11:50 AM

If you're not doing a lot of hard braking, then 24K is probably a little soon for worn out pads - but it's possible. Most brake shops will give you a quick inspection for free or very little. Find one you can trust and get them to check the rotors and pads.

Probably just some "glaze" on the rotors/pads. Make a hard stop (engage the ABS) from 50 mph or so and see if that will get rid of anything on the surfaces. May have to do it 2-3 times.

Edit: Get it checked soon. If the squeal is coming from the pad wear tattletale, it can wear the rotors.

SouthArk370Z · 10-05-2013, 12:50 PM

It could also be a dust shield just barely touching the rotor. As things warm it, the shield moves away from the rotor.

Gibby1113 · 10-06-2013, 02:26 PM

Well if I go to a shop and they tell me I need new pads are there any that you guys recommend? And if there are do you all know the price ranges? Thanks.

osbornsm · 10-07-2013, 09:46 AM

Hiya there,

Unless you are taking your Z to the race-track... Just buy the replacement OEM pads from the dealer. They're quiet and stop great when cold.

SouthArk370Z · 10-07-2013, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osbornsm

Unless you are taking your Z to the race-track... Just buy the replacement OEM pads from the dealer. They're quiet and stop great when cold.

+1. For the "light" DDing you describe, stock OEM pads work very well. If you have no complaints with the factory pads, why upgrade? Ofc, if you can get a good deal on some "better" (there's nearly always some tradeoff; more dust, poor cold performance, expense, &c so better is in the eye of the beholder) pads, why not?

NickTurnon · 10-07-2013, 10:10 AM

Gibby- Nissan will clean and remove the glaze off your rotors.

I have the base brakes and they squeel often. I put new pads in the rear recently and the fronts still have 60% life but squeel sometimes.

Like the others have mentioned, take it out back on a closed road with a good surface and slam on the brakes from 50-60mph a couple times..

Also just in case, make sure there isn't a small rock or something in between the pad and the rotor.

MadChemist · 10-07-2013, 04:27 PM

You can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. Pop the wheel off, get a piece of stiff wire (coat hanger). On the back side of the brake caliper are two bolts, untighten them and remove. Wiggle the caliper off, hang caliper on wire from spring, remove brake pad. Look at the brake pad, there should be a groove in the middle. If there isn't time for new pads. You'll only replace rotors if they are warped (can't be resurfaced) or out of spec. I would recommend non-oem pads due to noise and brake dust. I was really happy with EBC on my 350z (just my opinion). To put back together, reverse order and torque bolts to spec.

Read T · 10-08-2013, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadChemist

You can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. Pop the wheel off, get a piece of stiff wire (coat hanger). On the back side of the brake caliper are two bolts, untighten them and remove. Wiggle the caliper off, hang caliper on wire from spring, remove brake pad. Look at the brake pad, there should be a groove in the middle. If there isn't time for new pads. You'll only replace rotors if they are warped (can't be resurfaced) or out of spec. I would recommend non-oem pads due to noise and brake dust. I was really happy with EBC on my 350z (just my opinion). To put back together, reverse order and torque bolts to spec.

No need to take the caliper off since they are just caliper pins holding in the pads.

roy'sz · 10-09-2013, 08:58 AM

57, 000 on my stock pads+rotors. Done some canyon carving and got the brakes pretty hot....but I neber park the car that hot. Most likely you got some dust buildup or the heat shield is rubbing. Go do some hard braking and see if it does it after you adjust the shield.

Sh0velMan · 10-09-2013, 08:59 AM

I still say look for the sparks. The sparks never lie.

fuct · 10-09-2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

It could also be a dust shield just barely touching the rotor. As things warm it, the shield moves away from the rotor.

the dust shield doesnt touch the rotor, ever.....

Gibby1113 · 10-10-2013, 12:36 AM

Haha ok thanks guys. Gonna go have my brakes checked soon. Thanks for the input!!

Read T · 10-13-2013, 07:47 PM

My OEM pads got a good glaze on them after a day in the mountains (google NC highway 276) at 29,000 miles. The pads themselves were not worn but started squealing like someone stepping on a baby ostrich. Replaced them with new pads (took 20 minutes tops) and no more sound.

10-05-2013, 11:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Gibby1113 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: On open empty highways Posts: 366 Drives: 40th anniversary Rep Power: 12	How do I know when it's time to get new brake pads? Hey guys I was wondering if you all could help me out with something. I've been noticing that when I start up my Z and begin to reverse/more forward my brakes squeal super loud. And I've been noticing that the noise has been getting louder. It only happens for the first couple of stop then it goes away. I was just wondering if the sound meant I need new brake pads? And if I change the brake pads should I get new rotors too? Is there a forum favorite? Is there one that won't give off so much brake dust or be aggressive? My car is my daily driver and it only has 24k miles. I do not track my car or drive really fast so I don't need very powerful brake pads. I would really appreciate some guidance __________________ 40th anniversary #450/1000 \| Takeda Attack CAI \| Ark DTS exhaust \| to be continued...

10-05-2013, 11:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sh0velMan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Dallas/Ft.Worth Posts: 3,349 Drives: Noisily. Rep Power: 20	When sparks start flying out of your wheels when you get on the brakes. Trips, kidkotic2001, DEpointfive0 and 1 others like this. __________________ Buy My Car! \| Build Thread

10-05-2013, 11:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	If you're not doing a lot of hard braking, then 24K is probably a little soon for worn out pads - but it's possible. Most brake shops will give you a quick inspection for free or very little. Find one you can trust and get them to check the rotors and pads. Probably just some "glaze" on the rotors/pads. Make a hard stop (engage the ABS) from 50 mph or so and see if that will get rid of anything on the surfaces. May have to do it 2-3 times. Edit: Get it checked soon. If the squeal is coming from the pad wear tattletale, it can wear the rotors. Felix 808 likes this. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma Last edited by SouthArk370Z; 10-05-2013 at 11:52 AM.

10-05-2013, 12:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	It could also be a dust shield just barely touching the rotor. As things warm it, the shield moves away from the rotor. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

10-06-2013, 02:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Gibby1113 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: On open empty highways Posts: 366 Drives: 40th anniversary Rep Power: 12	Well if I go to a shop and they tell me I need new pads are there any that you guys recommend? And if there are do you all know the price ranges? Thanks. __________________ 40th anniversary #450/1000 \| Takeda Attack CAI \| Ark DTS exhaust \| to be continued...

10-07-2013, 09:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
osbornsm A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WHAT Posts: 2,551 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Rep Power: 423	Hiya there, Unless you are taking your Z to the race-track... Just buy the replacement OEM pads from the dealer. They're quiet and stop great when cold. SouthArk370Z, 1st and Gibby1113 like this. __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE (455hp) - 2011 Nissan 370z (333hp) - 2004 VW R32 (240hp) - 2000 Civic Si (160hp)

10-07-2013, 10:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
NickTurnon A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Scottsdale Age: 33 Posts: 1,636 Drives: 09 BS 7AT 370z Rep Power: 17	Gibby- Nissan will clean and remove the glaze off your rotors. I have the base brakes and they squeel often. I put new pads in the rear recently and the fronts still have 60% life but squeel sometimes. Like the others have mentioned, take it out back on a closed road with a good surface and slam on the brakes from 50-60mph a couple times.. Also just in case, make sure there isn't a small rock or something in between the pad and the rotor. __________________ 2009 Brilliant Silver BASE 7AT \| TEIN S-Tech Springs \| K&N Drop Ins & z1 Maf Tubes \| AAM S-Line Short Tails \| 5% Tint \| 20MM Spacers \| Sport Spoiler NickTurnon's 370z Build

10-07-2013, 04:27 PM	#9 (permalink)
MadChemist Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 412 Drives: 2010 370ZR Rep Power: 12	You can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. Pop the wheel off, get a piece of stiff wire (coat hanger). On the back side of the brake caliper are two bolts, untighten them and remove. Wiggle the caliper off, hang caliper on wire from spring, remove brake pad. Look at the brake pad, there should be a groove in the middle. If there isn't time for new pads. You'll only replace rotors if they are warped (can't be resurfaced) or out of spec. I would recommend non-oem pads due to noise and brake dust. I was really happy with EBC on my 350z (just my opinion). To put back together, reverse order and torque bolts to spec.

10-09-2013, 08:58 AM	#11 (permalink)
roy'sz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: palmdale, ca Posts: 1,299 Drives: 2010 nissan 370z Rep Power: 15	57, 000 on my stock pads+rotors. Done some canyon carving and got the brakes pretty hot....but I neber park the car that hot. Most likely you got some dust buildup or the heat shield is rubbing. Go do some hard braking and see if it does it after you adjust the shield. __________________ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtvG...data_playerARK HFC'S-ARK Grip-Stillen G3-M370-UPREV-Kinetix upper control arm-WC Latheworks-Stage2 Bad@$$ Driver(318whp/268tq)-

10-09-2013, 08:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sh0velMan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Dallas/Ft.Worth Posts: 3,349 Drives: Noisily. Rep Power: 20	I still say look for the sparks. The sparks never lie. fuct, osbornsm, roy'sz and 3 others like this. __________________ Buy My Car! \| Build Thread

10-10-2013, 12:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
Gibby1113 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: On open empty highways Posts: 366 Drives: 40th anniversary Rep Power: 12	Haha ok thanks guys. Gonna go have my brakes checked soon. Thanks for the input!! __________________ 40th anniversary #450/1000 \| Takeda Attack CAI \| Ark DTS exhaust \| to be continued...

10-13-2013, 07:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
Read T A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,046 Drives: 11 Nissan 370z BC 6M Rep Power: 17	My OEM pads got a good glaze on them after a day in the mountains (google NC highway 276) at 29,000 miles. The pads themselves were not worn but started squealing like someone stepping on a baby ostrich. Replaced them with new pads (took 20 minutes tops) and no more sound. __________________ 2011 Nissan 370z Black Cherry Sport Pkg - Daily Driver, , 1960 Morgan +4 fun car, 1986 BMW 325ES, 1998 M3 and 1996 Spec Miata - Race Cars SUPPORT TEAM WINSOME RACING - WRL, CHUMP, LEMONS

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