My FR wheel has been making a sharp 'screeching/squeling' sound. It comes in and out, but is pretty much constant, especially on the highway. Its especially loud on sharp turns.

 

Is this a sensor telling me that I need to get my brake pad changed? Or is it just the sound that makes when the pads are completely gone. I had it checked last May and front pads were at 75%. However, I put a lot of miles on it since then, including many 100+ mile trips from Denver to the mountains.

 

I'm thinking my pads are gone. Is this a good assumption? I've tested the brakes on the highway and they seem to work just fine.

My FR wheel has been making a sharp 'screeching/squeling' sound. It comes in and out, but is pretty much constant, especially on the highway. Its especially loud on sharp turns.

 

Is this a sensor telling me that I need to get my brake pad changed? Or is it just the sound that makes when the pads are completely gone. I had it checked last May and front pads were at 75%. However, I put a lot of miles on it since then, including many 100+ mile trips from Denver to the mountains.

 

I'm thinking my pads are gone. Is this a good assumption? I've tested the brakes on the highway and they seem to work just fine.

 

Yes... the pads have a small piece of metal that scrapes the rotors when the pads get worn too low. Change them out.

 

Don't forget to get your rotors turned (ground) as well

No assumptions are good assumptions.

 

Pull the wheel and take a quick look for yourself with a flashlight at how much pad material is left. Seriously, how else could you possibly know?

 

To me, checking the front linings periodically to keep a mental note of their progress is about the same as checking the oil and tire pressure periodically.

I pull them all at least a couple of times a year. I measure wear on each brake and log the measurement in the chart in that car's file. I can pretty much tell you when I am going to need to change brakes on a car months ahead.