I just had 40K service today at the dealer, and after inspection we agreed to replace the rear brake pads. The fronts are still original. I find it interesting that the rears went out before the fronts. For a FWD car, it may speak well for how the brake system was engineered. Or is it just a fluke?

 

rear pads are organic while fronts are semi-metallic. The rears on mine went first as well whereas my fronts were still in good shape.

 

it took 40K till you changed your pads? that seems like alot. i thought brake pads, especially the fronts, usually get changed at like 20K. i have 18K and when i went for 18K mile maintenance they said i have about 2K left on the front. I dont drive the car really that hard either. what's the deal?

 

Depends on how you drive. I typically replace my pads around 35-40k miles. If you drive hard or spend a lot of time in stop & go traffic you will more likely wear them out faster.

 

Yes, this was my first pad replacement at 40,000 miles. I can think of two factors. First, most of my driving is on our Southern California freeways to and from work. Second, my driving style may not be the same as yours. No offense, but perhaps the heavy foot that I had in my twenties has faded to a more gentle touch in my sixties.

 

The rear pads ALWAYS wear out first on Maximas- We stock 20+ sets- Go through 'em like water! They also have probs with the e-brake cables binding & causing premature wear.

 

Dave, I use my e-brake 5 times a week or so at stoplights (I'm that lazy). Does the use of the brake cable help keep it from binding, or does it make no difference at all?

Also, what are the symptoms of rear pads wearing out. Do they hit a wear indicator and squeal?

Just for a data point, my wife has a 98 Ford Ranger with 93,000 miles on it and the original brakes - gotta love it.

Craig
2kGLE

 

Craig-
If anything, the use of the e-brake helps keep the cables from binding. The rear pads do not have a wear indicator, so you're on your own! 93K on the Ranger? All my Domestic cars seem to tear through brakes! You're lucky!