My Toyota dealer's inspection of my '02 SC430 brake pads showed I had about 30% remaining after 55,600 miles. When do I replace? Are there "warning scrappings" (='chirping') I will hear when it is time? Please share your experiences.
Thanks!
Drabek

 

If the car was serviced at a lexus dealer, then the history is online. By checking there, you can find what the mileage was when they were replace last. Brake wear will be your tied to you driving, no, your braking habits. And yes, there is a squeaker when the pads are worn down as an audible queue that service is necessary.

 

The minimum spec is 1 mm. Recommended to be replaced at 3 mm. I read this in the repair book if my memory serves me right.

 

The first sign my 02 SC430 with 25k miles on it had that the rear pads were going was some light squeaking about every third braking or so. I had them inspected and caught them early enough...was like $300 for pads only and that included a free car wash, loaner car and rotors turned. This was back in 2006 though.

 

Something was wrong if rear rotors needed to be turned at 25K miles. In all the years I have been driving. (I'm 58) I have never had to turn rear rotors. I have a 2000 RX300. Never turned a rear rotor. 156,000 miles on that one.