How far on front brake pads?

[OilBurna]

Up to 74,000km just had inspected and reckon still good for another 8-10,000km. Had rears done already 2007 tdi truckster.

[brad]

113,000km on my Octavia (which is like a tiny Passat or a fat Golf) - fronts still at 6mm so they are good for another 100,000km or so.

Rears are down to 3mm & will need replacement this year sometime (rears come on before fronts to minimise nose dive).

[MJW]

Just had my 30,000 klm service & was told both front discs & pads will need replacing at the 45,000 klm service. I was a bit surprised given I drive exactly the same roads & conditions as my previous cars. Might have to check them for myself.

[brad]

Just had my 30,000 klm service & was told both front discs & pads will need replacing at the 45,000 klm service. I was a bit surprised given I drive exactly the same roads & conditions as my previous cars. Might have to check them for myself.

not unusual to be due by 45,000km. depends totally on traffic conditions & driving style

[MJW]

not unusual to be due by 45,000km. depends totally on traffic conditions & driving style

Thanks Brad. I drive in 30% peak hour & 70% free flowing traffic. To provide an indication of driving style, my original tyres are still on the car & based on wear I would get around 40,000 klms from the set. My Mazda 6 MPS only had front pads changed (not discs) at 80,000 klms. I know there is a lot to consider with weight, brands etc but just surprised is all.

[brad]

Pads (and rotors) on Euro cars are generally quite soft (and dusty) compared to Asian machinery. Something to do with different philosophies on braking performance.

Most dealerships are quite conservative about giving an estimate of remaining life because customers go absolutely birko if they run out of brakes between services. Lets face it, if you get to 45k & don't need them you'll be happy. Get to 45k & they tell you you are up for $450 in brake work & haven't prepared you & you'll be annoyed.

Look on the bright side - gives you plenty of time to price some less dusty & more durable aftermarket stuff like REMSA.

[Pawnii]

Without taking the wheel off it looks like there's heaps of life left. Probably around 8mm on each pad. It wouldn't surprise me to get another 10k out of them. But it's prob not worth the risk.

I'm going to give some aftermarket pads a go.

Also AFAIK the sensor for the warning light is only on the front right pad on the B6 Passat so ill have to check the rears to see if they need replacing .


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[MJW]

Good to know. Thanks. I think I might pull a wheel off on the weekend & have a look for myself.

[brad]

Without taking the wheel off it looks like there's heaps of life left. Probably around 8mm on each pad. It wouldn't surprise me to get another 10k out of them. But it's prob not worth the risk.

They only have 10mm new, so unless the inners are wearing very quickly (ie: seized sliders) then the sensor is giving a false reading.

Pads should be changed when they are < the thickness of the backing plate - mainly for heat management. Most Euro cars will start to make grindy noises at about 2mm because of the stupid way the disks wear (the lip on the outside edge).

[MJW]

So generally what is the thickness of the backing plate? Given I am going to need to change both pads & discs I might as well get most use out of both even if that means I chew up the disc by letting the pads get a little low (assuming heat/fade doesn't become an issue of course).