I had replaced my pads and rotors for the front around May 2003, which means it's been about 2.5 years of driving. I live in NYC, so the brakes see a lot of activity. I average around 7500 miles per year only, so that comes to around 18000-19000 miles driven on these pads.

I'll admit that I've neglected to check the wear on the pads as of late. But I was always under the impression that when your pads are getting close to the end of their life, they start squealing.

These Mintex pads did not squeal at all. Today, I drove a few miles to get my hair cut, and halfway there, I noticed a weird grinding noise coming from the front. What in the world could that be? Oh well, I was already at my destination. I got my hair cut, hopped back in my car, and proceeded to drive home, making note to myself to stay off the brakes if I could. The grinding noise was still occurring. I had a feeling it was brake pad related. Possibly the pad somehow shifted or became seated improperly?

I got home, and immediately removed the front left wheel, which was where the noise appeared to be coming from. What I saw immediately brought a frown to my face. The pads had been worn all the way down to the metal packing, and the outer edge of the pad had started scoring my precious ATE PowerDisc rotors. GRRR...

The scoring is not bad, but I've learned from past experience that once your rotor is scored, even just a tiny amount, it is best to replace BOTH the rotor and the pads. If you just replace the pads, the new set will get an imprint of the score, and it'll just become more and more pronounced.

So, here I am, ordering another set of Mintex pads from FCP Groton, and a new pair of ATE PowerDisc rotors. Why am I still going with Mintex even though they did not produce a warning squeal before scoring my rotors? Because these pads were GOOD in all other respects. They were quiet around town and highway. They performed well under heavy braking application. Dustwise... meh, they were pretty dusty, but I never cared about that.

Sigh. Lesson learned: check the brake pads along with every oil change. It could save you a pair of rotors.
--
Ken
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'