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

• approx. 4, 000 km/mm for the front axle brake linings
• and approx. 6, 000 km/mm for the rear axle linings
  Fig 1: Identifying Brake Pad Check Gauge (211 589 06 23 00)

  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 mm) 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) (VF) = approx. km remaining distance

   Fig 2: Identifying Gauge Adapter (164 589 10 23 00)

   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 4000 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.