2003 Accord Brake Pad Minimums

I have a 2003 Accord EX V-6 with 64,000 miles. Took it in for service
today and the dealer reported the rear pads to be 8 mm, and the front
pads 7 mm on the left, and 5 mm on the right. They said the rears
were at the minimum and needed to be replaced right away, and the
fronts could wait a while. I don't have a service manual. Are the
minimums for the rear pads greater than minimums for the front pads?
Seems strange.

Dick

 

They should be about 1/16" or 1-2 mm min for bonded pads for most
cars, front or rear. But for me by 3mm is ok to replace. I'd think 8mm
in the rear are nearly new pads.

Looks like you have uneven wear (sticking caliper pins?) up front, if
they measured it correctly.

Your dealer smells fishy.

 

Looking at the service records on my '04, 2mm appears to be when they need
to be replaced. One time mine were recorded at 7mm, another time 6mm, and
the service people never recommended replacement. No, your 8mm pads have a
long way to go before they need to be replaced. 8mm is almost 1/3 inch!

 

Word is that some of the dealerships (at least in my area) are now paying
commission to the service advisors. They will recommend that you replace
brakes, tires, etc., when often there's actually quite a bit of part life
remaining.

 

My 2000 Accord DX (90k km - 54k miles) is still on original pads/rear shoes
(car is serviced regularly at dealer). At last service this week, front
pads were down to 2.5mm; I was told that they will replace at 2mm (next
spring in all liklihood). Guess I'm lucky - an honest dealer. Perhaps I'm
paying more overall, but always get a straight answer and no BS (and a very
reliable car - still love it after 8 years!)

 

No wonder mechanics in general have a bad rap and rank just above
lawyers in terms of trustworthiness.

 

The old Nissin OEM pads were good for about 40-50K miles. The new
Findlex (?) seems to last quite a bit longer. But I always just put
Akebonos aftermarkets on the cars I touch, I know these should
typically clock 80-90K miles in normal driving in light weight
imports.

 

I've got 107k on my '02 Accord coupe and the pads still have well over half
of their thickness left. However, it is a 5-spd. (I use engine braking a
lot) and most of the miles are highway.