rx300mm

Does anyone know what it means when the front brake pad have 8.5mm left ? This is what my Toyota service person said but the answer I wanted was what percentage is left, did not get that from him.
So, how many milimeters does new front pads have ?

bob2200

I just happen to have a new set of OEM front brake pads, and they have 12mm of material. I like to think of mm in terms of a bicycle spoke having a diameter of about 1.8 mm.

mikeburnet

depending on how the toyota tech measured (should have been to indicator and not the backing plate) 8.5mm is the amount of material remaining to be used. if measured to the backing plate (surface the pad material is glued on) then take off roughly 1.5-2mm of pad. % remaining are usually approximations unless the useable pad is 10mm then its pretty exact 9 =90% 8=80% ect... If the 12mm mentioned above is to the indicator tab then 8.5 would be about 70% remaining useable pad life. hope that helps.

rx300mm

Thanks guys. I understand it better now and especially when it is translated in %, I know I am not heavy brakes.

AlexusAnja

8.5mm is about 1/3" which is plenty if it's brake pad left. Was he/she saying that it has 8.5mm left and you need to replace it, or that was just FYI?

I don't think any mechanic is going to tell you depth inclusive of the metal backing... that would be crazy.

Lexmex

If I remember correctly 1mm is the absolute minimum for pads (and yes I have gone down that much when I was in Mexico, doable, but not recommended at all).

Mechanics will say anything. A place where I bought two new front tires last year told me I needed new pads. Guess what, I have had the same pads since mid-2007 when I was still in Mexico, and they are still on my RX, have plenty of mm left.

rx300mm

Alexusanja, The mechanic wrote down "front pads 8.5mm" and "rear pads 7.0mm" , and needs checking next service. I guess I good for a while.

mikeburnet

i work in a service dept and we have had new guys here measure that way and we have had a lot of people come here from independents which measure that way. also some pads do not have indicator tabs at all (usually
aftermarket junk)