Rear brake pads wearing quickly

**Big_Steve** · 23rd July 2009, 12:37

Is it normal on a Vec for rear brake pads to wear faster than the fronts?

Not found that to be the case with previous cars but it seems to be happening on mine. Or is it normal for them to be approaching the point of replacement after 30,000 miles?

Only came up today as it's in for service so they've rung me to offer to replace them now for only £88

I'm wondering now if they're rubbing which would explain why my car has always felt a bit more sluggish and 'heavy' than I'd expect.

On another note, can anyone tell me how hard they are to replace my self if I source the parts. Do I need any special tools?

**byebyeitsagsi** · 23rd July 2009, 12:40

For them to need replaced about 30,000 sounds as if you really have had your moneys worth from them

You would need a special tool to do the back brakes to rewind the piston into the caliper, it does'nt cost much and if your confident of working on brakes then go for it.

£88 sounds about right 1 hours labour and the price of cheap pads it sounds like.

**glenboy** · 23rd July 2009, 12:42

Vec's rear pads wear out lot quicker than the fronts yes,but to get 30k out of them isn't too bad imo,i'd check to see if the piston move's freely,could've been sticking,there is a special tool to do them but apparently doen't fit that well,good luck m8........

**r.bailey63** · 23rd July 2009, 12:44

Mine seems to eat front pads, but i do quite alot of miles, think its only had once set of rears since i owned it and ive done over 60k in 2 years.

Replacement of the pads is a very easy job only special tool you will need is something to wind the pistons back in, you can get a special caliper wind back tool, dont think they are too expensive, or have heard of more diy methods invloving pointy nose pliers.

**Big_Steve** · 23rd July 2009, 12:50

Thanks for the replies. Always been easy on brakes so 30,000 not really anything to write home about. If others have found rears to wear quick prob nothing out of order then.

Just had a quick look for cost of brake rewind tool and it's £45. Coupled with the cost of the pads doesn't seem much point in doing it myself!

**Readster** · 23rd July 2009, 18:33

Steve, They are cheaper than that. £25 at Halfords, Look on ebay for the VX adaptor £8. I've used the rewind tool on other cars since, so its handy to have.
Cheers,John

**cerbrious** · 23rd July 2009, 18:38

where are you in cheshire matey ive done pads on mine without any probs think pads are about £20 i'll fit them for you for a few beers

**wardy** · 23rd July 2009, 18:46

my rears went at about 40,000. I'm still using the original fronts now at 50,000, although the garage has said that they are starting to get low. Pretty good really. I think I'll stick to the VXL pads if they last this long

**m8internet** · 23rd July 2009, 19:23

I get about two sets of fronts to each set of rear pads

**RoyF** · 24th July 2009, 00:15

Just had my 1.9 SRi Estate serviced last week at bang on 50k, they said that the fronts were 50% left and the rears were 10% left. Probably look at doing them myself all round in another 5k or so, and these are the originals from new,