Brake Pads

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: It is not required to install new brake pads if friction material properties are within guidelines. It is also not required to install new brake pads when the brake discs are machined.

Inspect and measure the thickness of the brake pad friction material.

Install new brake pads if the thickness of the friction material is less than 3.0 mm (0.118 in). Refer to INSTALLATION for front disc brakes or INSTALLATION for rear disc brakes.
Compare all 4 front or rear pads for uneven wear. Install new brake pads if the thickness of the friction material varies from pad to pad by more than 2.0 mm (0.079 in). Refer to INSTALLATION for front disc brakes or INSTALLATION for rear disc brakes.
Install new brake pads if there are missing chunks or cracks in the lining through to the backing plate. Refer to INSTALLATION for front disc brakes or INSTALLATION for rear disc brakes.
If the friction material shows taper wear (i.e. the thickness varies by more than 3.0 mm [0.118 in] in any direction), verify the caliper guide pins are functioning correctly. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS .