Brake Life Questions

[BullMoose1776]

Checking in on Brakes! I've got a 2019 Rubicon (with the "upgraded" brakes). Maybe they're bigger, I don't remember.

Approaching 60k miles, and have recently had a few situations where stopping distance seems increased.

Looking for an expected life for the stock brakes, and if anyone has done a brake job, and what is your brake pad of choice.

I don't think I need Formula level brakes, but am open to an "enhanced braking experience" if such a thing exists.

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[Reinen]

There is no such thing as an expected life for the stock brakes. It doesn't depend on mileage, it depends on how much you brake. You could have gone 60k mi without ever hitting the brakes, in which case they'll be like new. Or you could have hit the brakes a lot and be ready to grind at any moment.

The only way to tell is to take a tire off and see how much brake pad you have left.

 

[Valpo Jeep]

City driving, expect the brakes to wear out much faster. Highway driving they should last a very long time. I had a Saturn Vue that was a 50/50 mix or so if driving and I could get about 60K per set of front pads. Replaced that with a Chevy Cruze and my sting was 90/10 highway/city and I got 125K miles from the fronts and the backs were original at 190K when I traded it in.

we have only had the JLU now for 10K miles so no prediction yet on how they will last.

 

[jaymz]

The only way to tell is to take a tire off and see how much brake pad you have left.

Not entirely true. A quick look at the brake fluid level in the reservoir will give you an idea of whether or not you need to pull the wheels and actually look at the pads.

 

[Reinen]

Not entirely true. A quick look at the brake fluid level in the reservoir will give you an idea of whether or not you need to pull the wheels and actually look at the pads.

Well, true. I guess I never bother with that since I swap winter/summer tires every 6 months and check the pads then.

 

[BullMoose1776]

Back brakes squeak occasionally on initial take off...thanks to an ex who drives like shit. Front is noiseless.

Overall just recently noticed less responsiveness. No grinding no noise.

Prob time.

 

[BullMoose1776]

Not entirely true. A quick look at the brake fluid level in the reservoir will give you an idea of whether or not you need to pull the wheels and actually look at the pads.

How is this an indication? What am I looking for?

 

[jaymz]

Every vehicle is a little different, but typically once the fluid is about 25% below the “full” mark you should do a visual on the pads.

 

[Upnarms]

I feel my stopping distance is fading as well. 48k miles. I have tons of pad left. Probably most my problem is from added weight maybe. And maybe the factory pads have brake fade after they age. I have a set of aftermarket pads everyone recommended, just haven't installed them yet.

 

[Old Jeeper]

Checking in on Brakes! I've got a 2019 Rubicon (with the "upgraded" brakes). Maybe they're bigger, I don't remember.

Approaching 60k miles, and have recently had a few situations where stopping distance seems increased.

Looking for an expected life for the stock brakes, and if anyone has done a brake job, and what is your brake pad of choice.

I don't think I need Formula level brakes, but am open to an "enhanced braking experience" if such a thing exists.

Stick or Auto trans?

If stick, do you brake with the transmission or only the brakes?

Auto trans typically wears out brakes quicker.

If Auto, do you drive with both feet, one on the GO pedal an done on the brake pedal?

I personally have never done a brake job on a auto I have owned. Almost all have been Sticks and I brake by downshifting just use the brake to make the last few feet to stop.

I have driven 3 Corvettes over 125k miles (my '69 I did 169k mi) and no brake job. 3 of my Jeeps had over 100k mi with my highest mi being 136k.

Take Away: Driving style + city or highway miles tells the tale of the tape.

NOT unusual for brakes to last 25k miles with heavy foot on the pedal in city driving

 

[AFD]

I personally have never done a brake job on a auto I have owned. Almost all have been Sticks and I brake by downshifting just use the brake to make the last few feet to stop.

This, but even in an auto you can still avoid braking with some situational awareness.

Most people like to race up to steep hills, curves and red lights when a light throttle or some coasting will still get you close to the desired speed.

 

[Old Jeeper]

This, but even in an auto you can still avoid braking with some situational awareness.

Most people like to race up to steep hills, curves and red lights when a light throttle or some coasting will still get you close to the desired speed.

Coasting is an art I assure you. I drive forward, meaning I looking down the road ahead. Light is RED and I back off and coast down and typically hit the brakes when it comes time to STOP!, Auto or stick.

Most folks ride the brakes, but that 4500 lb chunk of metal will slow down on its own faster than one may think.

There there are the Pedal Pushers. Right foot on the GO Pedal Left foot on the brake. Wear out a set of brakes in less than 10k miles and they are the wet dream of Brake Check stores.

Friend of mine owned a Brake Check, and he would tell me he had customers come every 6 mo for new brake and only 5k miles.

Always keep you eye on the 3rd brake light, if its on they are braking as they accelreate, seen it many times.

 

[Mx5red]

I feel my stopping distance is fading as well. 48k miles. I have tons of pad left. Probably most my problem is from added weight maybe. And maybe the factory pads have brake fade after they age. I have a set of aftermarket pads everyone recommended, just haven't installed them yet.

isn't a lot of pedal feel from the compression of the fluid/expansion of lines? As old fluid absorbs water and lines can expand a little more (why they push braided steel brake line replacements).
Brake fluid should be replaced more often than we all do it.
In other words your pads are probably fine, maybe a fluid change would fix it.

 

[jav_eee]

Pads/rotors could be glazed. Surprised no one thought to mention this…

https://www.treadmagazine.com/vehicle-parts/modifications/how-to-tell-if-your-brake-pads-are-glazed/

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