How can you tell if your brake pads need to be replaced, or rotors resurfaced? My car has 21,000 miles on it, and can notice a small "cupping" sensation when braking on the interstate or around town from 50-30. Different terms have been used to describe this phenomenon, but it is still unclear to me. I have located some of the information in the stickies about TSB's. I know the dealer will fight with me on this issue. I found the exact TSB for 2000's but not 2001's. Thanks in advance.

 

get under the car and look at the pads....if they are worn down to the need of replacement, you should only see about a milimeter of pad....

to see if the rotors need to be resurfaced, feel them (when they are cold, as not to get burned) if you feel ripples, even small ones, get the rotors turned.

also, buy good brake pads...mine are the cheap ones with a crap load of metallic in them, and they squeal like hell...i would recommend organic pads...even tho they won't last nearly as long...

ry