Ok so starting about a week, no more than a week and a half ago, my brakes started squeaking and there was a bit more pedal travel than usual. So it's time to change brake pads right? Well I had to hold it till yesterday cause I had to get paid. Then just a few days before getting paid, I started hearing a grinding sound. You know, that sound that you get when you need new pads? Like, worn pad grinding against the rotor? So I'm like whatever, I just ordered in some Endless Vito Nuevos (should be coming in by end of the week) so keep the driving light, brake earlier, and avoid togues. But today as I was driving the squealing had decreased about 87% (I kid you not) and that grinding sound is non-existant, well probably not "non" but I can't hear it over my exhaust/intake like I did before while slowing down.... WTF?? I'm gonna go take my car out again to see if I'll get the same results or if I'm back to square one, but my question is...even though this situation is going on, the fact of the matter is that my brakes were squealing and I felt/heard grinding pad/rotor and even though things are ALMOST back to normal and might stay that way...should I still cahnge pads?

 

Don't know about changing them, but would definitely check them to make sure that you have pads (and ungrooved rotors) left, and the go from there.

 

you should prolly visually inspect your brakes

 

yeah, I'd change 'em. if it's time and you're hearing/ feeling abnormal stuff regarding your brakes - inspect at the least, change to make sure.

plus, you should trust your instincts - if you can judge an "87% decrease ...", well you're ready for the pits of NASCAR

 

maybe your pads were contaminated w/ something that made them make the squeak/grinding noises... perhaps you wore through it now but i wouls still keep an eye on your rotor/pads and go ahead and change 'em out w/ the new ones when you get 'em

 

No reason to change them unless they are badly worn... Always visually inspect. I believe the xA has drums on the rear??? If so, the rears should last much longer than the front. I am not sure on the exact numbers for the xA, but the brake ratio should be somewhere around 70% front, 30% rear.

With todays pads, squeaking is nothing uncommon (even with brand new pads) and can sometimes be difficult to get rid of permanantly. And sometimes it will come and go. The grinding makes me think you got something between the pad and rotor... or there was a lot of buildup occurring. As long as there is plenty of pad left, just blow them out, possibly bevel the leading and trailing edge (unless they came that way) a tad and clean up the rotors. I cant remember manufacturer names off hand, but you can find an anti-squeal spray. If you do, find the type that you spray on the rotor, not the pads. That and the bevel will help reduce or eliminate squeal if it is still there.