Disk brake pads - legal minimums?

Forums › Off topic › Disk brake pads - legal minimums?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#941289 26-Nov-2013 20:52

A very common poor braking issue is water in the brake fluid and when the water gets hot it expands in the lines and causes the brake pads to expend out and put pressure on the disc, This makes the brakes hotter and wear out quicker,

Also I have seen brakes almost fail from using the wrong DOT rating of brake fluid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_fluid

Changing the brake fluid should be done approx every 24 or 36 months if I remember correct

jpoc

1043 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 289

#941292 26-Nov-2013 20:54

Last WOF but one, my mechanic passed the car with no problems but told me that the rear pads were getting low and would need replacing before the next WOF.

I think that you were subject to a revenue enhancement tactic and you should find a better mechanic for the next one.

In lots of garages, the workshop staff are assessed on the basis of how much revenue they are able to generate. "You did 200 WOFs this month and only sold 16 sets of brake pads! Bad mechanic, no Christmas bonus for you."

jeffnz

2870 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 666

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#941293 26-Nov-2013 20:58

jpoc: Last WOF but one, my mechanic passed the car with no problems but told me that the rear pads were getting low and would need replacing before the next WOF.

I think that you were subject to a revenue enhancement tactic and you should find a better mechanic for the next one.

In lots of garages, the workshop staff are assessed on the basis of how much revenue they are able to generate. "You did 200 WOFs this month and only sold 16 sets of brake pads! Bad mechanic, no Christmas bonus for you."

if the minimum is 3.5mm and his were thereabouts well I'd say the inspector was more correct than incorrect.

Galaxy S10

Garmin Fenix 5

old3eyes

9158 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1365

Subscriber

#941300 26-Nov-2013 21:16

I refuse to take my cars to a testing station now as I'm sure that the recently arrived immigrants who work there get paid a commission on how many they can fail. I now go to Mazda or Toyota dealer..

Regards,

Old3eyes

JamesL

956 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 342
Inactive user

#941308 26-Nov-2013 21:22

It's specified as per manufacturer minimums and based on braking tests http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof/general/brakes/service-brake-and-parking-brake

@jeffnz the one you pasted is for entry certification as opposed to in service wof

Given brake pads cost bugger all why not replace them and be done with it?

Technofreak

6659 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3479

Trusted

#941309 26-Nov-2013 21:22

Inphinity: There is a stopping requirement, though, and regardless of how thick the pads are, if it fails to meet the braking requirements, it's a fail.

It passed the stopping requirement on the rollers.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

MikeB4

MikeB4
18777 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12769

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#941311 26-Nov-2013 21:25

Replacing them when down to mm's left stops the Rotors being compromised and needing machining.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Technofreak

6659 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3479

Trusted

#941314 26-Nov-2013 21:26

andrewNZ: Here's the thing. If those pads fail before the next warrant and cause an accident, he is potentially personally liable.

I think you're wrong. Take tyres for example. They only have to meet minimum tread depth at warrant time, not have enough tread to last to the next warrant. The inspector cannot be held liable for what happens post warrant.

Corrected, Thank you John R

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#941326 26-Nov-2013 21:36

held liable

Bung

6736 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2929

Subscriber

#941328 26-Nov-2013 21:41

My car is 2mm minimum front pads, 1mm rear. You rarely get all pads wearing evenly so when it gets to the point that you have to check them it's pointless putting them back if you have a new set available.

I was surprised that the original pads only had a tell tale on one wheel and one pad on the other side would have touched the disc first.

Technofreak

6659 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3479

Trusted

#941329 26-Nov-2013 21:41

jeffnz:
if the minimum is 3.5mm and his were thereabouts well I'd say the inspector was more correct than incorrect.

I disagree.

The only figures I can find are only recommendations (1/8" or 3mm) and all of my pads exceeded the recommendations. One would presume the wear indicators would be the minimum allowed.

To those of you who say change the pads, Yes, I know pads aren't that expensive, and if you read my post I did change them since I had the brake calipers undone.

My point was the inspector acted outside the requirements, the brakes met the required standard.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#941330 26-Nov-2013 21:43

Take the pads into the WOF testing station and ask them why?

Technofreak

6659 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3479

Trusted

#941336 26-Nov-2013 21:48

johnr: Take the pads into the WOF testing station and ask them why?

The warrant was done by a testing station. After they have issued the warrant I will be asking how they make their judgment and show them the old pads and explain I am most unhappy with their assessment and intend going elsewhere next time.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#941338 26-Nov-2013 21:52

Technofreak:
johnr: Take the pads into the WOF testing station and ask them why?

The warrant was done by a testing station. After they have issued the warrant I will be asking how they make their judgment and show them the old pads and explain I am most unhappy with their assessment and intend going elsewhere next time.

Also check what the car manufacture advises before doing this,

scuwp

3927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2510

#941346 26-Nov-2013 22:11

Testing stations have a complaint process. First check what the manufacturers minimum specifications are for your car. If the pads you removed are still within the tolerance then make a formal complaint. If you don't believe the issue was adequately sorted by the station, then you can make a complaint to the NZTA who will make a judgement.

The standards are:

1. The Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (previously linked)
2. Manufactures specifications - if the manufacturer recommends the pads do not go less than 2mm for example, then at that point the pads fail the WoF.

Personally I don't see the point quibbling over a couple of mm when talking about your own and other road users safety. Your pads were nearing the end of life so needed replacing at some point shortly anyway.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

1 | 2 | 3 | 4