YACT: My car EATS brake pads!

[Armitage]

93 FZJ80 Land Cruiser
I put on a new set of pads last fall, and this week I heard the tell-tail squealing. Pulled off the wheel and there was almost nothing left. In fact the inside pad on the front drivers side was almost down to bare metal :Q In fact the tell-tail I heard was the last one left, the other three had broken off - and I make a point of driving with the windows open/radio off on occasion just to listen for that kind of thing.

Anyway, new pads on the front, need to order in the stuff for the back and I'll do those next weekend.

Checked on a Land Cruiser list and apparently this kind of wear isn't unusual - I'm used to getting 40K-50K miles out of a set of pads. The reccomend using FJ100 (latest model land cruiser) pads on for replacements - bigger surface area, less fade, longer wear. Have to remember for next time.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

How much does that car weigh?

 

[sniperruff]

well it is a very heavy car. drive slower?

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
How much does that car weigh?

Yea, I'm sure that's part of it - it weighs in at about 5000 lbs

 

[Vette73]

weight and your driving/braking style will count towards wear.

get a heavy duty set of pads. See if Napa, autozone, etc... have a upgrade set over teh standard ones.

 

[Evadman]

The more weight, the less they will last givent he same surface and wear characteristics. I changed my Zuk exactly once in 70k miles, my ram (8800 lb bohemeth) every 20k.

 

[thomsbrain]

my mom's volvo eats ROTORS at the same pace. she waits until the last second and then slams on the brakes. bad habit!

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Well, if you're like the majority of suv drivers your pattern probably goes something like: GO-GO-GO-GO-GO-BRAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!!!!! No middle ground

So, it's not surprising

 

[RaWrulez]

dont use the breaks so much slow off the gas before the stop

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Well, if you're like the majority of suv drivers your pattern probably goes something like: GO-GO-GO-GO-GO-BRAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!!!!! No middle ground

So, it's not surprising

I think I'm pretty easy on brakes generally. Very rarely on them hard unless somebody is doing something stupid in front of me But I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[Viperoni]

Don't buy cheap pads.
Don't buy cheap rotors.
Don't brake as suddenly.

Problem solved

 

[imported_goku]

Yea, I've got an FJ80 and it's brakes wear out quickly as well. What you need to do is likely get a better braking assembly all together if you can. Brake kit?

 

[JulesMaximus]

That's not a car...

 

[FeuerFrei]

Ceramic pads. Last longer.

 

[BUTCH1]

If the pads are wearing unevenly you might want to consider
having the calipers checked. If the piston hangs up in the
bore even a little it will cause premature wear of the pads
and rotors as well....good luck

 

[OrganizedChaos]

did you get good pads or the $10 doller partsamerica ones

 

[Excelsior]

YOU eat brake pads.

 

[gooseman]

You don't suppose it has anything to do with the driver do you?

 

[zugzoog]

Have you had someone look at the discs? They might need to be machined.

As already mentioned, get good quality pads, in the long run it could be cheaper than crappy pads failing on you.

 

[J0hnny]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
That's not a car...

bingo!

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
did you get good pads or the $10 doller partsamerica ones

They were Raybestos pads. Don't recall which product line, I ussually pick the mid grade. Were about $50/pair IIRC.

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: J0hnny

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
That's not a car...

bingo!

hehehe

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: gooseman
You don't suppose it has anything to do with the driver do you?

My experience seems to be in line with others experience with this vehicle. I'm not an agressive driver at all - I'd say I'm easier on brakes then most people I drive with.