When to replace brake pads?

Bought used 2003 SES 38K miles and the former owner had a a stack of service receipts so I know it was taken care of and he is a senior citizen. Now have 48,500 mi on it and the only notaqtion I see about brakes is when he had a service done 4/7/05 at 23,771 mi at a Ford place they made a notation "Brakes front and rear 8MM."

I just went and looked at the front calipers and can't see the pads but there aren't any marks on the rotors but it looks like the caliper is a fraction from touching the rotor. Does this mean I'm living on borowed time and I should get the pads changed today? What about the back drum brakes? I seem to remember someone saying they wear out about half as fast as the front pads.

I Googled and it looks like pads should be replaced around 30K miles and if that's the case I'm long overdue. I'll go to the auto parts store and get the parts, but what is a fair price for replacing the front and rear brake Forget turning rotors and drums because there's no squealing noise. Just like to get an idea of what labor should run. I have a place that does good work and always sems like fair prices but just like to check them out and know I'm paying a fair price. RSVP pronto please and I'll get it done today. Thanks.

If you have a Sears Auto Center near you they will do a total brake system evaluation for $15. They will measure all parts and let you know what parts need to be replaced. I am guessing your rear drums should be alright for a while still. Pads themselves only cost as low as $20 for both front sets. It all depends on how much you want to spend and the quality pad you want. I have never had a shop do pads for me since it such an easy job for the do it yourselfer to do, but it only takes me about half an hour I guess to do it.

most places charge any where from 65 to 75 a hour.the guys right i'd do it myself save some money it's not that hard of a job to replace pads.

good luck..

Hey huney1. Ford recommends replacing pads at 4mm thickness. Mileage is not indicitave of brake wear. 30k on the interstate versus 30k in downtown traffic is 2 completely different stories.

Thanks to everyone for the help. The shop foreman man said I have 60 to 70% of the pad left good for another 20K miles anyway, so I'm good to go.
I told him the former owner was a senior like me and I don't hot dog and do a lot of hard braking so he said replacing them at 60K sounded right but he'll be glad to check 'em for me anytime. :)

I checked prices and pads run from $25. to $50. depending on quality.

Just because your brakes aren't making any noise doesn't mean the rotors are not wearing. When it comes time to replace the pads, have the rotors measured for wear.

I'm confident the shop will do it right and "mike" the rotors and whatever else needs to be done. Thanke everyone for thier time and advice.
Now I got'ta go get a hair cut or get my rabies shot and a dog license. :silly: