Question. My Axxis Metal Brake Pads just started screeching, indicating they will need to be changed soon. Any idea on how long they usually last once this begins. I usually dont drive more then 150 miles per week but I know I wont have time to do the install myself for a few weeks. Should I just take the car in for a professional install or do u guys think its safe to wait?

 

The more screetching you hear, the more wear you are placing on your rotors. I would change them sooner rather than later unless you were planning on changing your rotors at the same time.

 

First, check to make sure the screeching noise is caused by the pad indicator on the brake pads and not something else. Also, the pad indicator is a metal tab that is almost to the nearest to the center of the wheel. Unless your brake pads are worn to nothing, it won't put more wear to your rotors.

 

Is it possible to see the indicator w/o removing the wheel. I know it sounds like I'm lazy and I am a little but I'm just curious because I'm at work right now and cant check myself but if I could have someone at home then I might not have to order the pads afterall which I was planning on doing today.

 

You might be able to stick your head behind there and see the indicator. Also, make sure, as was mentioned above, that it is not the fact that the Ultimates just squeak when braking. I thought mine were done too; I put 15k on my pads and they still have at least half their life left.

 

I'm pretty familiar with the noise the pads normally make, which i'm not fond of but i love their stopping power. this sounds much more like a brake indicator screetch.

 

My previous Axxis Ultima pads wore down to the screeching indicator. It's easy to tell. The screeching noise always presents when the car is moving. I have since switched to Greenstuff pads, and the wheels are so much cleaner now.

 

Edward,
How is Axxis compared to Greenstuffs in stopping power and life?

 

You can actually see how much brake pads are left if the wheel spokes are out of the way. Here is how you can tell if your brake pad indicator is making noise or not. If you step on the brake and the noise goes away, it is pretty good idea that it is NOT the indicator. However, you hear noise all the time, especially at slow moving speed, then yes, it is the brake indicator.

 

I also have Rotora slotted rotors. I feel that the Greenstuff seems to bite firmer than the Ultima. But this may not translate into actual shorter braking distance, just a different braking feel. Most likely the Greenstuff is made from a harder compound because the rotors are scrotched up much faster than with Ultima. As for pads life, I can't compare until it's time to replace the Greenstuff pads.

 

When I was down to the screeching indicator, I can hear the screeching noise even with a light or medium brake application whenever the car is moving.

 

hmmm....very interesting, i actually dont hear the noise when i'm driving but it seems so be louder then the usual noise the pads produce.....any ideas?

 

Did you take a peak to see if you can see if you have any brake pads left? It is very easy to do even with stock rims.