Advice on timing of replacing brakes

[doughboy17]

I would appreciate your advice and experience on the brake replacement process.

* Since I have 6mm remaining on my rear brakes, should/could I just replace the front pads and rotors? Has anyone done this? What was your result/experience with performance/issues afterwards?
* Should I replace the brakes before making the 1600 mile round trip to Washington D.C. this summer, or should it be safe to wait until after?

I have already decided not to move to ceramic pads, but my driver front brake is down to 4-5mm and squealing quite a bit while the passenger front is at 5mm.

Thanks much.

[moyenecorniche]

If you were just staying put I would say just do the fronts ... But since you are planning a long trip, front and rear pads should be the plan, check all your lines and fluid. Make sure your rotors are up to spec...

[Audibot]

Hope you enjoy your time in DC. Around DC, however, will be a NIGHTMARE of traffic that we affectionately call "The Beltway"

[mtroxel]

My program for rear brakes, and I've done this for years - I wait till I hear metal on metal back there. Then, if the rotor is any where near the wear limit I just put new OE pads on. I don't turn the rotors, nothing. Just did that a couple months ago. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but I've never had a wear problem, noise problem, or a warped rotor.

Remember, when you hit the brakes hard, almost 80% of the load is on the fronts.

[Audibot]

My program for rear brakes, and I've done this for years - I wait till I hear metal on metal back there. Then, if the rotor is any where near the wear limit I just put new OE pads on. I don't turn the rotors, nothing. Just did that a couple months ago. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but I've never had a wear problem, noise problem, or a warped rotor.

Remember, when you hit the brakes hard, almost 80% of the load is on the fronts.

Agree on the last part; I think the first is more luck than anything. Recently was the first time I was routinely hearing squeaking from the rears, and I was getting juddering on warm braking (not when it was initially cold, but after a few times). Replacing pads and rotors cured this problem.

So it all depends on how you do braking.

[doughboy17]

Hope you enjoy your time in DC. Around DC, however, will be a NIGHTMARE of traffic that we affectionately call "The Beltway"

The advice is appreciated. With the exception of Mt. Vernon and the NRA Museum, we plan to walk and use the metro.

[adam044]

My rears were just metal on metal. I didn't do it on purpose though nor would I ever do that on purpose. What's the point of that?

Should be fine with just fronts though. Rear pads are cheap though, so your call.