Brake pads visual inspection

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by priusplus_fr, Jul 24, 2018.

  1. priusplus_fr

    priusplus_fr Junior Member

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    Hi everybody,
    Can you help me tell me how used are my front brake pads?

    Does anyone have any idea how long (in mm) is the metallic part of the brake pad? So i can have an idea of the dimensions of the brake pad.

    I have been to an auto repair shop and the guy told me that that I should have 5000 km left (about 3300 miles) but a member family told me the auto repair guy was exaggerating just to make some business.
    Thanks. IMG_0087.JPG IMG_0085.JPG
     
    #1 priusplus_fr, Jul 24, 2018
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Those look half worn, I'd say in a prius, you have about 50000 miles remaining.

    The service guy has no clue a prius uses electronic braking majority of the time
     
    #2 JC91006, Jul 24, 2018
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  3. ShihFa

    ShihFa Junior Member

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    Can I ask about these brake pads? These are the outside on the drive side and non-drive side respectively. I took a look at the inside pads, and based on a visual inspection, the depth of the groove is about the same on the inside and outside pads.
     

    Attached Files:

    #3 ShihFa, Aug 10, 2025 at 11:46 PM
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    They look new....
     
    #4 ASRDogman, Aug 11, 2025 at 7:48 AM
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  5. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Looks like 5-6mm at least to me.
     
    #5 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    There's brake pad thickness gauges, you just reach them in there, see which fits. But really, just something like a few popsicle sticks (whittled to various mm widths) will do.

    IMG_1415.jpeg

    there’s someone here who just lost his mind last time I mentioned these. Hey, I have dial caliper, feeler gauges, micrometer, dial gauge with mag base. I understand and use those. But brake pad thickness is not machine shop territory lol.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Aug 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2025 at 7:23 PM
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  7. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    lol that’s smart. I just use my eyes and if I need to, I use a metal ruler.
     
    #7 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    When I have the pads in my hands I find a tire tread depth gauge works well.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Aug 11, 2025 at 8:03 PM
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  9. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    yep,
    Whatever works.
     
    #9 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 11, 2025 at 8:49 PM
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