Update: My hunch about worn brake pads paid off without a test drive

Most folks say you need to drive it to feel the issue, but I check pad thickness visually first. Found a set at the limit just by looking, and the customer was glad for the early catch. In my experience, a good eye can save some steps.

2 comments

2 Comments

verap521d ago

Visual checks can be a game changer if you know what to look for. How do you handle pads where the wear is uneven, like inner vs outer pads? I've had cases where they looked fine from one angle but were shot on the other side. Does your method account for that, or do you still pull the wheels for a closer look sometimes? Getting it right without extra work is key, but SAFETY has to come first.

the_elliot1d ago

Yeah, uneven wear is a real headache. I read on a mechanic's blog that using a small mirror or a borescope can help see the inner pad without pulling the wheel. But like @verap52 said, safety first, so if there's any doubt, I still pull the wheel for a direct look. It's extra work but better than missing worn pads.