Brake Pad Rear Cadillac Catera 1997/2001

Part Number : IMD709

Product Line : United

Part Description : Disc Brake Pad Set

Material : Metallic

Pad Assembly Thickness, Inner Overall : 4.089 mm

Pad Assembly Thickness, Outer Overall : 4.089 mm

Plate Height, Outer : 61.468 mm

Plate Length, Inner : 61.722 mm

Plate Length, Outer : 61.722 mm

Packaged Weight : 0.794 kg

Country of Origin : USA

Brake

?WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BRAKE PADS WEAR DOWN

  Every time you engage your vehicle"s brakes, you are causing 

minute amounts of wear and tear on your brake pad. For each type of 

brake pads, ceramic, organic, and metallic, this friction causes small 

amounts of protective coating to wear away from the brake pad, Over 

time, this deterioration starts to add up: as your brake pads becomes 

thinner and thinner, they will eventually get to the point where they should 

be replaced. Here are some signs to look for to know when to replace 

brake pads:

1 - SQUEALING OR SCREECHING NOISES

Generally, the first indication any driver will notice is a squealing, 

screeching, or whining noise when the brakes are engaged. This sound is 

caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that"s embedded in your break 

pad for just this purpose. When you hear it regularly while braking, it"s 

likely time to bring your car in to a brake specialist for an inspection. When 

brakes are exposed to wet, damp conditions, such as after a rain storm, a 

thin layer of dust can form on the brake pads and cause a very similar 

screeching sound while braking. If a sound disappears after the first few 

times you use your brake, that"s a good indicator that it was just a bit of 

rust built up on the brake pad ant not the brake pad needs to be replaced.

2 - LESS THAN A QUARTER INCH OF BRAKE PAD 

You can also visually inspect your brake pads to know if it"s time to have 

them replaced. Look through your tire spokes and you should see your 

brake pad compressed against your brake rotor. If the pad is less than 1/4 

inch thick(about 3 millimeters) you should consider having your brakes 

inspected, especially if it"s been a long time since your last inspection.

3 - DEEP METALLIC GRINDING AND GROWLING

If you hear a deep, low noise that sounds like metal grinding or a rumbling 

growl, that can be a sign that not only are your brake pads worn away, but 

that your brake discs and calipers are making contact. Since this metal 

contact can very quickly cause even further damage in your braking 

system, you should bring your vehicle in to a service shop as quickly as 

possible if you hear this type of noise.

4- INDICATOR LIGHTS

Some vehicles have an indicator light on the dashboard that will signal 

when it"s time to replace the brake pads. Check your owner"s manual to 

see if your vehicle comes equipped with the low-pad warning system. 

Remember that if the light does come on, you"ll need to have your 

mechanic replace the light sensors as well as the brake pads.

HOW LONG DO BRAKE PADS LAST?

Brake pads are generally thought to be good from anywhere between 

30,000-35,000 miles. However  the real answer to how long brake pads 

can last will vary from vehicle to vehicle and from driver to driver. For 

example, is you tend to drive the most often in urban areas or in heavy 

commuter traffic, you"ll be engaging your brakes a lot more frequently 

than someone who drives in rural locations or on highways. Some people 

also tend to "ride the brake," meaning they press and depress their 

brakes more habitually than other drivers, causing the brake pads to wear 

away more quickly. With a little attention and forethought, it can be easy to 

know when to replace brake pads on your vehicle.