[cakley]

Whats the normal life span of the Insights brake pads?

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Whats the normal life span of the Insights brake pads?

Depends.

On my old CRX HF I got 180,000 on the first set. But I know of several pizza delivery guys that are happy with 8,000, and have reason to be proud of the achievement.

Reminds me of an official Virginia road sign of the 70's;

"Everybody in favor of saving gas raise your right foot."

The same can be said of brake pads.

 

[Billy]

Mr. Insightful is right! The useful life of front brake pads depends on how often, how hard, and how long one pushes on the brake pedal. For example, I don't drive my Insight in town, just on the highway. I seldom ever use the brakes at all. My 1987 CRX HF had 322,000 miles before I replaced the pads. ( I sold the car at 502,000 still running great)

But for the average driver, in a mix of highway and city useage, I would estimate the pads will last around 45,000. Just a guess. Billy....

 

[Tim Maddux]

I wondered the same thing and posted this poll about a year ago.

We should expect longer brake life since regen will protect us from some brake pad wear.

 

[Willie Williford]

I have 94,000 miles on the LITTLE RED ROCKET and just ordered a set of pads for the front. Will change them at 100,000 miles (Late Feb.) and post the measurements on this forum.
I checked them once before and posted the measurements on the "Turbocharged Insight" thread? They must be wearing down a little as the fluid in the brake master cylinder is getting lower.

 

[cakley]

I think I need to replace the rear pads at 42k. Has anyone used non honda brake shoes? Local dealer want 56.00 and I can get a set from either autozone or advance for around 20.00 (raybestos or wearever, albany brands)

 

[Armin]

I wondered the same thing and posted this poll about a year ago.

There were only 8 real votes an half of them in the fairly wide 50k to 100k range. I guess this means that few of us have changed their pads at all.

Mine are original at 60k miles, I'll have to measure them to check. But there is supposed to be an audible wear indicator build into them, so the risk of running the breakes down to far is low and I don't check them too often.

 

[lethostigma]

My 2001 is at 81,000 mostly HWY miles and I can feel the brakes getting a bit less responsive (I have to step on them a bit harder). I'm due to bring my car in so I'll be asking them to check the brakes. They will most likely say to replace them (gotta make their boat payment) so I need to have an idea what measurement they will go by and be able to confirm that they need to be changed. What is the measurement i.e. certain pad thickness?

 

[Tim Maddux]

What is the measurement i.e. certain pad thickness?

Yes. I don't know what that is. The minimum thickness may be specified for the brake pads, maybe even in the service manual for the Insight, either that or it probably depends on the mechanic.

I usually replace when (as Armin notes) I hear the audible wear indicator (squealing).

 

[Rick]

Brake Pad Thickness:
Standard: 8.0 - 9.0 mm (0.31 - 0.35 in.)
Service Limit: 1.5 mm (0.06 in.)

 

[cakley]

I went to change the rear brakes at 40xxx miles due to some squeking. Once I looked at them the rear brakes looks brand new.

Just dusted it all up and put the wheels back on.