Mine are beginning to squeak a little bit and I've noticed a lot of dirt/brake buildup on the front rims. I don't think I've ever go them serviced (last 2 years), but don't they check that sort of thing during emissions? And how much does it usually cost to get new brakes... I'm a newbie

 

when you step on the middle pedal and nothing happens! :

 

 

stout,

squealing is a good sign that they are wearing out. the brake pads have a layer that actually is made to squeal.

changing them out is pretty simple---or so I've been told. search "changing brake pads". also, i believe on 4x4wire someone has a write up too.

bob

 

Easiest way is to pull off your front wheels and take a look at the pad that is left. Bob is right the pads have a built in squeal tab that will rub on the rotor surface when the pads a getting low. When you hear that noise you still have a good amount of pad left (so you don't have to run out right away and change them. But you also don't want to wait until you hear the infamous metal to metal grind, that be bad mojo. Changing brake pads is one of the easiest DIY jobs. New pads are relativly cheap unless you take it to a shop. Generaly you can do the job for 1/4 to 1/2 the price depending on what pads you buy.

 

You will know, deep down in your pants, as you sail off a cliff doing 90 because you couldn't get to the runaway semi truck gravel in time...

I'm reminded of that Blazer that plowed down Lion's Back with it's brakes on fire. I think he needed new brakes...

Glad I could be helpful

 

There are no cliffs around here, but if my brakes do go out I wish that the person in front of me is you so I can take your smarta$$ out with me. Bob and PirateFins, thank you kindly for the help.

 

Calm down stout. Masta's post was only in good fun. Don't know how long you've been on here or reading this site, but there is almost always someone throwing in something funny into a post.

I had squealing on my brakes for a long while. Didn't know about the wear indicator. My brakes were pretty weak, and I felt a grind when I stomped them hard one time. I took it into a shop and they said I had 300-500 miles left tops. So if you get that squealing, atleast do a visual inspection.

 

If all else fails, to stop quickly turn sharply into a stationary object.

 

like a bridge embankment.

 

If in doubt, simply look. Pull the wheel and see how much pad is left. If you see 1/8" or less pad on either side of the rotor they got ta go and you may have waited too long to look. When they get that worn they sometimes will start to crumble away and then it becomes metal to metal. I actually bend my wear indicators toward the rotor a bit when I install pads so I know quite early to change my pads. Changing them early also can protect your rotor from getting warped from the excess heat generated by thin pads (which, by the way, causes the pad material to break down and crumble away).

They are very easy to change, even with the calipers still on the vehicle. If you are getting vibration when you brake it gets a bit more difficult because you'll need to have the rotors turned or replaced which means tearing down the hubs. Just putting new pads on warped rotors will compound the vibration. Packing the front hubs may be due anyway if it hasn't been done recently. Needing to do brakes can be an excuse to also get other needed maintenance done at the same time.

Toyo Master