Brake Pad Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2002 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Avoid grinding brake linings, sanding brake linings or cleaning wheel brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air, when servicing wheel brake parts. Some models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers which can become airborne in dust. Breathing dust with asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. Use a water-dampened cloth in order to remove any dust on brake parts. Equipment is available commercially in order to perform this washing function. These wet methods prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
NOTE:
Inspect the disc brake pads at regular intervals, or whenever the tire and wheel assemblies are removed from the vehicle.
- If replacement is necessary, always replace disc brake pads in axle sets. See BRAKE PADS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect both edges of the disc brake pad friction surfaces. See Fig 1 . The highest rate of wear normally occurs at the trailing edge of the disc brake pads.
- Inspect the thickness of the disc brake pads in order to ensure that they have not worn prematurely. The disc brake pad wear should be approximately even per axle set.
- Both front and rear disc brake pads have integral, audible wear sensors. When the disc brake pad wear reaches the minimum allowable thickness, the wear sensor contacts the disc brake rotor. The wear indicator will then produce an audible, high-pitched warning noise during wheel rotation.
- Replace the disc brake pads when the friction surface is worn to within 0.03" (0.76 mm) of the mounting plates. See BRAKE PADS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Remove the brake calipers and inspect the friction surfaces of the inner and outer disc brake pads to ensure that they are level. Place the disc brake pad friction surfaces together and measure the gap between the surfaces. If more than 0.005" (0.13 mm) gap exists midway between the length of the disc brake pads, replace the disc brake pads. See BRAKE PADS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Verify that any disc brake pad shims that may be required are in place and not damaged or excessively corroded. Replace any missing or damaged shims in order to preserve proper disc brake performance.
- Replace the disc brake pads if any have separated from the mounting plates. See BRAKE PADS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect the disc brake pads friction surfaces for cracks, fractures, or damage which may cause noise or otherwise impair disc brake performance.