Question about brakes

hey guys, i was wondering if anyone knew how often i should change my brake pads, im at 42,xxx miles and they are the factory brakes, so i was wondering around when i should change them out, and i kinda want to do it myself so i know how to do it, so if there is a how to out there, if you could direct me to that also
thanks guys

 

Once they start squeaking like a mofo thats a good indicator that they need to be changed.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/38025-diy-front-brake-pad-change.html

Pad changes are easy, just make sure you have a tool to depress the caliper. I've always use a C clamp or a large plumbing wrench.

 

the hard part i heard was the back drum brakes...... hopefully not that bad

 

Drums are harder but with the right tools... easily doable. Cant remember the name of the spring tool. Makes getting the springs back on much easier.

 

x2, or if you feel like you've lost a little bit of "pedal". This happened to my wife's little Rio, but they never started squeaking....not really sure why, im pretty sure all/most pads have the "low indicator" screech device/shim.

and just google a how to, im sure you'll find it, very easy task, basic tools required, a c-clamp, and a block of wood(if you dont wanna damage the piston)....depending on how hard the bolts were installed it should be fairly quick. (maybe ask a buddy who knows how to so he can show you, sometimes its a little rough just tryin it by yourself, i just learned my lesson tryin to change a clutch on a front wheel drive car, next time i'll know better)

 

i agree, having the right tool for the job makes a whole helluva difference, and i've only had to change drum brakes once(old 87 toy pickup) we liked to never got the damn drums off in the first place..........thats why i wanna convert my 07 to Disc out back......end thread jack

 

i'm at 38k with about 40% left on my pads

 

If you/ service dept. rotate your tires every 5,000 miles then they get (should get)inspected. If you hear the squeel of the wear indicator scratching against the rotor, then get it done immediately. Try and avoid them getting so thin that ever happens.

 

alright, so im getting a kind of howling medium high pitch sound coming from my rear wheels....any ideas about this??? low shoes on the drum brakes??

 

Unless you have had a brake failure, no. The brakes probably just need to be cleaned. Find a good brake/alignment shop, ask for a tire rotation and brake inspection/cleaning, and ask them to tell you how much you have left on your brakes.

I'm sure the truck will be somewhat different than my previous car, but I had to replace my front pads (on the car) at 130,000 miles, at which time the brake shop said I had about 60% left on the rear shoes. The last time I had a rotation and inspection/cleaning on my truck (at 40,000 miles on my '09), they said the front pads were barely worn and the rear shoes were like new. I drive a lot on the highway, so your mileage may (literally) vary.