Determine remaining distance of brake pads - AP42.10-P-4253-02A

All the brake pads on a vehicle must always be checked for determining the expected remaining distance of the brake pads.

If the brake pads on a vehicle axle have worn to a different extent, then the brake pad with the smallest  pad thickness should be used for the determination of the expected remaining distance

The deterioration factor (VF) specifies the appropriate possible mileage for each millimeter of pad thickness at an average load.

The deterioration factor (VF) is for the brake pads on the

• front axle: approx. 4.000 km/mm
• rear axle: approx. 6.000 km/mm
  Fig 1: Inspecting For Brake Pad Thickness

  Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Determine the expected remaining distance: 

1. Determine the total thickness (G) of the brake pad.
2. Subtract the loss thickness (V= 3 m m) which cannot be used from the total thickness (G).

   This gives the usable residual pad thickness (R).

3. Multiply the residual pad thickness (R) by the deterioration factor (VF). This gives the expected remaining distance in km.

   (G) - (V) = (R)

   (R) X(VF) = approx. km remaining distance

   Fig 2: Determining Expected Remaining Brake Pad Distance

   Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

   Example: 

   If the determined total thickness (G) of the most severely worn brake pad on the front axle is approx. 8 mm, the following calculation results:

   8 mm - 3 mm = 5 mm

   5mm X4000 km/mm = approx. 20.000 km remaining distance

   This is only a reference value! Depending on the driving style and conditions of use of the vehicle the actual remaining distance can deviate from the calculated value to a greater or lesser extent.