Ok, first off I'm a car newbie. My 2002 WRX is the first car I've ever owned and no one in my family has ever had a car. ( I grew up in New York city).

Now, its been just over 2 years since I bought my car and I've got over 60K miles on it. Most of it is highway miles. I've been told by people who ride in my car that I brake fairly late. I've never had any brake work done. I'm starting to notice that I have to brake harder. Additionally, the brake indicator light has come on a few times lately. I think I need to replace the pads although I dont hear any sounds from them.

At my last service, the service dept at the dealership said I needed new pads and rotors. I called the local Meineke and they told me that I should get new pads at 30K and new rotors at 60K. They were surprised that I've driven 60K miles without any brake work done. Additionally, the guy told me that most likely I will have to replace the rotors because of a Massachusetts law regarding rotor thickness. Apparently they're not supposed to resurface the rotor too much.

So what do you guys think I should have done? Was I crazy not to get brake work done earlier? Do I need new rotors? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Jack

You're doing a lot of highway driving so of course your pads will have lasted that long. No worries. Some dealers will go and machine the rotors if they're warped a bit over usage. I've got just as much mileage as you on my stock pads. They're almost done though. What do you mean brake indicator light? The ABS light? If you've had to brake harder, it could just be a brake fluid flush that's needed. But you'll probably will need new pads soon.

even though u might do a lot of highway driving, with fewer brake uses, i'd still replace my brakes between 30-40k. at the same time, flushing your fluid should also be done, and machining your rotors as well, or just replace them......these are items i don't skimp on, cuz....well....u know....brakes are kinda important

as for you light coming on, chances are, you're either low on brake fluid, or it was boiling

get your brake service

Originally posted by jacklock
I've been told by people who ride in my car that I brake fairly late.

Like 75 to 0 at –1 G frequently?
Originally posted by jacklock
I've never had any brake work done. I'm starting to notice that I have to brake harder. Additionally, the brake indicator light has come on a few times lately. I think I need to replace the pads although I dont hear any sounds from them.

The light could be low fluid?
Originally posted by jacklock
At my last service, the service dept at the dealership said I needed new pads and rotors.

So do you trust them???? Many shops don’t surface rotors and won’t just throw in pads.
Originally posted by jacklock
I called the local Meineke and they told me that I should get new pads at 30K and new rotors at 60K. They were surprised that I've driven 60K miles without any brake work done. Additionally, the guy told me that most likely I will have to replace the rotors because of a Massachusetts law regarding rotor thickness.
Mr Meineke is feeding you a load of crap. You replace brakes when they are worn to limits not mileage. Mass. Law?? The manufacturer casts thickness limits on the rotors.
Originally posted by jacklock
So what do you guys think I should have done? Was I crazy not to get brake work done earlier? Do I need new rotors? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Jack

Find a mechanic you trust or do your own work. Quick DIY route, if the rotors aren’t chewed up, slap some new $20 pads in (20 minutes) and see how it worked. Measure rotor thickness.

1. I have 80K miles on my 2.5RS and all pads are still original. And still have plenty of meat left on them to pass state inspection.

2. Rotors should not need replacement unless out of spec or deeply grooved. Do not automatically replace rotors.

3. OEM rotors (Mountain brand) can be bought cheaply in the aftermarket.

4. I recommend getting OEM pads. By the time you buy new hardware, you will have spent more that a complete OEM pad kit costs. The OEM kit includes all hardware and copper anti-squeal paste.

5. Do perform routine maintenance on your brake every 30k miles. You need to remove pads, clean and lubricate calipers. You can check the condition of caliper seals at this time.

You definately need a fluid bleed and top off. Like mentioned earlier, the light came on because of low fluid, and you should also bleed the lines because brake fluid absorbs water so you want to keep it relatively fresh like every 2 years at minimum I would recommend. Brake pads you can check if you have a small mirror. I changed out my brake pads for more agressive ones at 15k miles and my stocks still had over 3/4 of the original pad left. Rotors may need resurfacing, but if you dont' feel any vibration under braking, I doubt you need to do anything to them.

Forgot to add if you do replace your pads, make sure you bed them in. Should be a good link in the sticky thread in the brakes/suspension forum.

vvk:
What do you mean when you said You need to remove pads, clean and lubricate calipers. I get the cleaning the pads part, but have never heard of lubricating the caliper. Are you talking about greasing the caliper pins? I'm interested b/c I've never lubricated the caliper and might look into doing this.

-Charles-