Dommm

If both the front & back brake pads were installed at the same time, which set would normally wear out first or do both wear out reasonably equal? Thanks

Mike728

I believe that most modern vehicles go through rears first. Why are you asking?

Dommm

I have a small bit of vibration/pulse when braking so I removed the front tire & measured the amount of brake pad I had left thinking that it was time to replace the pads & while I was at it I would replace the rotors which I think might be the cause of the vibration/pulse that I am feeling on the brake pedal. I was surprised to see I still have plenty of pad left (6+ mm) on the front pad but I did not bother to check the back pad. I figure if both front & back wear about the same I will just wait awhile before replacing everything.

bc6152

Generally it's always the fronts that wear out first. Here's a paragraph explaining why...

"congested highways are the main culprits that cause brake pad wear. Your front brake pads will also wear down faster than your rear pads. The front of your vehicle handles a lot more weight transfer as you brake, causing more wear. Over time heat and friction also contribute to brake pad wear."

frankymenz

I did my front pads and rotors on my 2014 Es350 in April this year at 48000 miles, I had pulsation, old pads on front were 75% worn out, I bought it used at 46500 miles. I bought OEM Lexus pads and rotors online from Bell Lexus. This fixed my pulsation problems, I had probably about 35-40% of pad remaining on the rear, I decided to replace just the pads in the rear a Month later, again OEM pads from Bell Lexus, online dealer. I’ve had no brake issues at all, the rears could’ve gone another 10000 miles, I decided to do them, used copper antiseize on the metal to metal components on the front and rear, my pins and rubber bushings still had adequate lube from the original pads. I agree the front pads will need replacement 1st. I do a lot of highway, some city mixed in though, I wanted excellent braking for the areas I drive in, Orlando, Tampa, etc. Frank

st1800

Yes, fronts always go first, same with tires.

autotech13

The fronts will wear out first before the rears do. There is alot of force in the front when stopping any car.

Mike728

I don't usually keep my personal vehicle long enough to change brake pads, but I stand by my comment on newer vehicles. My wife's 2010 CR-V was kept for 9 years and almost 70k miles. The rear pads needing replacing at around 50k miles. Fronts were never needed. I have mechanic friends and one of them did the work. He explained that things such as stability control are one of the reasons that the rears went out first. My parents old 2011 ES also went through rear pads before the fronts. I'm sure driving styles and typical commutes also play a major role in how each wear.

Now, going back to my first new vehicle, a 1986 Chevy IROC-Z. It needed two sets of front pads and I never touched the rears. I sold it with 100k miles on it.

autotech13

Man! You should of kept that baby!!!!

Poppa

Normally the front brakes wear down faster than the rear brakes.

SteveES350

Exactly right, as a retired accident reconstructionist/investigator, I was taught that front brakes do 80%+/- of the stopping on a modern vehicle, for the reasons you listed.

socalJD

Interesting thread. I have a JDM 2017 ES350. Replaced my rear pads at 40k. I'm at 55k now & have not touched the front pads yet.
Also had a 2014 GS350 F-sport - replaced the front pads every 20k. Turned in at 50k and never touched the rears.
I guess it true that YMMV . . .