Dealer says I need new break pads

My dealer told me that my 2004 Prius needed a full brake job at 100k miles, I pointed out the error of their ways to the service manager. I am now at 270k miles on the original brakes.

JeffD

 

Have good independent shop check your brakes, really should be waaaaay tooooo soon for a brake job.

 

Unless you are stop and go with less than 7mph speed driving those 46K miles, it is highly unlikely. It is possible due to mechanical problems, like a stuck bit causing the brakes to be engaged all the time, but you should have noticed a super drop in mpgs.

You could just look at them through the wheels. Not that hard to see.

 

in some wintry climes (wisconsin) 2010's have been prone to early brake wear due to sticking slide pins. i would ask your tyre shop to show you the rotors and pad thickness.

 

It seems early as I have 190,000 on the original pads. But, have it checked out as your driving commute or circumstances may have worn them out earlier than most.

 

With just the scissor jack you could raise one corner, remove the wheel and see how much thickness is left on the pads. Outer pad is readily visible, inner pad can be viewed edge-on through an opening on the caliper. Both have a slot, makes it easier to identify.

Pad thickness is "net", doesn't include backing plate. Brand new they're around 10 mm, minimum is 1 mm. Anything near 1 mm, it's not worth stalling.

Some caveats: loosen lug nuts slightly before raising the car. Lug nut torque is 76 ft/lb.

Still, if you really mistrust your mechanic, not a good situation.

 

that happens also in balmy subtropics too. apparently toyota factory workers don't grease them well at factory.

BTW, what are break pads?

 

You don't need new pads unless you drive like an idiot.
I'd be willing to guess that the rotors do not need to be resurfaced either.
What you probably need is a new dealer.
OK....
So....you live in the frozen North and you may have some corrosion issues that I don't have living by the Gulf.
Get a second opinion from a mechanic.

If I'm right, you need to tell Toyota that they have crooks running one of their stealerships up in WI.

 

I could look, but you are closer.

 

I liked your post because you misspelled Brake Pads in the title, but then spelled it correctly in the post.

I use to do that in grade school, just to keep the teachers guessing.

 

I'm under the impression that titles can now be edited

 

Say dealership said your oil was low, whadya do: take a survey on the net, or check the dipstick?

Pad thickness check is a bit more involved, but still the shortest distance to a conclusion. If you really don't want to check them, ask a second mechanic to verify.

 

As everyone mentioned already.. don't take their word for it.. during my visits under factory covered maintenance, they didn't really check or performed serviced noted. Tires pressure, tread depth, oil and tire rotations were not done.. I knew because I checked myself..

 

Does your car get parked under cover or does it stay outdoors all the time?

It's possible that the brakes aren't bad but it's also possible that they are, considering your location. Don't let people from outside the rust belt tell you this stuff.

Get a second opinion. Hint--> the worst rotor rust is usually on the hidden side.