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Old 03-23-04, 06:05 PM
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Kimbill
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Question Brake Pad Signal

How would a '98 ES 300 signal the brake pads are worn? ........A wire "squeaker"? ..........An icon on the instrument panel?

At 86,000, something should be signaling one of these days.



Bill
Old 03-23-04, 07:35 PM
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PERRYinLA
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Well, if nothing else, there's always the distinctive metal-to-metal grinding sound....
Old 03-24-04, 07:02 AM
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Kimbill
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Thanks Perry, you're very helpful. Maybe we can help you some time.
Old 03-24-04, 07:07 AM
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SC400-V8
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At 86K miles, I would replace your pads immediately. You must be getting on the freeway from your house and brake softly like twice a day to have that many miles on the original pads. I would replace them immediately.
Old 03-24-04, 07:44 AM
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I agree with Jay. If they've never been done this could be a new record. And Perry's right too. There's really nothing except screeches and grinding noises to tip you off and by then it might be too late. Just bend down and take a look in there with a flashlight.

The wear limit on the pads is down to 1mm I think. For what pads cost and the ease of replacing them, that's far too thin for me. I order my replacements when there's about 1/8" (3mm) left.

George
Old 03-24-04, 01:31 PM
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On an LS if you wait to see the light you usually have to replace the sensor that warned you that the brake pad was near to doing rotor damage. It is expensive!!

Not sure of this on an ES 300

damon
Old 03-24-04, 03:48 PM
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Default Re: Brake Pad Signal

Originally posted by Kimbill
How would a '98 ES 300 signal the brake pads are worn? ........A wire "squeaker"? ..........An icon on the instrument panel?

At 86,000, something should be signaling one of these days.



Bill
The factory hardwares will come with a sqeaker, but no icon on the cluster for the ES. The minimum thickness for you brake pads is 1.0mm( from repair manual),but I see most people replace it sooner.
Old 03-24-04, 06:37 PM
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Kimbill
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How would a '98 ES 300 signal the brake pads are worn? ........A wire "squeaker"? ..........An icon on the instrument panel?

At 86,000, something should be signaling one of these days.



Bill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The factory hardwares will come with a sqeaker, but no icon on the cluster for the ES. The minimum thickness for you brake pads is 1.0mm( from repair manual),but I see most people replace it sooner.

===============================================================

Thanks everyone. I guess we've been lucky so far. Actually, there's another 22,000 miles on the brakes, since we tow this car behind a motor coach, and the car has a mechanical brake system actuated from the motor home. No problems in 22K miles of towing, except a little diesel soot on the car -- Knock on wood. However, I will take you advise, and replace the pads ......................Thanks again to all.

Bill
'98 ES 300, black (no door-dings, yet)

PS, The transmission has an external Remco pump to circulate transmission fluid while towing, otherwise, towing would surely kill the transmission.
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