Front Brake pads / flex service

**Marc 100** · 9th November 2005, 03:36

Morning all, just found this forum after nearly two years of C ownership! My car is a 2.0T SRi Edition 100. I've owned the car since 4k/6 months old. Car's first service was at 18k (when the dash light came on), car now has 31k. From a safety point of view I'm not too happy about the extended service intervals on the Vectra as it means the car can go for quite a long time without being inspected in any way.

My query relates to other owner's experience of front brake pad life. At 31k I feel mine should be about due a change but chances are the car's not going back into the dealership for a service until at least 36k. I'm also presuming my car has a brake pad wear sensor so should give me sufficient warning.

Thanks

**Gsi3.2** · 9th November 2005, 08:29

Hi Marc,

I should think it has a sensor. One is fitted on my GSi. If you are unsure tho, about the state of your pads why no just whip a wheel off and do a visual inspection..you'll be able to see then if they are wearing evenly as the sensor only picks up wear on one pad..

**Ste** · 9th November 2005, 17:38

The front pads on my Vectra B 2.0 DTi lasted 75,000 miles. They do have a wear indicator (from my experience)

**JCB** · 10th November 2005, 12:43

now then marc 100, i've got a 2.0DTi and at 68,000 i'm replacing what i reckon are the original discs and pads, all round, because they are basically metal on metal now (i know i know, shouldn't let them get like that but couldn't afford to replace them...)

i was always told replace discs and pads together otherwise pads wear 50% quicker on old discs..

if you are replacing try these www.speedways.co.uk for really cheap parts...then someone to fit for £50, i'm having new discs and pads all round for £220...

**JCB** · 10th November 2005, 15:06

marc, forget all of the above, if your looking at replacing brakes, do it now!!!

i've just been onto vaux local dealer and ordered full set discs and pads for £100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(required little bit of 'oh go on, you can get it cheaper than that')

**Marc 100** · 10th November 2005, 23:28

Thanks for the replies. With original examples lasting 75k and 68k I'll stop worrying about it for now!

On my last car (a Mondeo 3) the rear pads were shot at 25k (suspect the handbrake was dodgy and to blame) and the fronts at around 30k