Brake pad shaping versus disc skimming: Is the mechanic right?

[Witbobbejaan]

Hi All,

I need my rear brake pads replaced ASAP, and my preferred local mechanic who hasn’t yet given me reason to doubt his skills, told me that they prefer not to skim discs due to the lifetime and strength of the disks going downhill. Instead they shape the PADS with a grinder to fit the shape (presumably convex ridges) of the discs! I understand arguments against skimming, but haven’t heard of pad shaping before....does this seem reasonable?

The other thing I’m wondering about is that I was considering getting Terrain Tamer fortified pads (presumably they are ceramic)...but now I’m not sure how the change in material will shape the unskimmed discs going forward and if that’s something to worry about.

Thanks,
D.

[Peter Connan]

Never heard of pad shaping myself but if you think about it, that's exactly what happens during the "run-in period".

I have no idea what's in the TT pads.

[Dungbeetle]

Rear discs endure a lot less pressure and heat as the front. If they are not true or smooth, skim them. The reduced lifetime due to skimming is negligible. BUT, what you do NOT need is a rear wheel locking up under braking due to being uneven etc. Just do the skimming an new pads thing, period....

[Witbobbejaan]

Thank you Rudolf. Yeah, it's probably better to stick to tried & tested when it comes to safety.

[Dungbeetle]

And, it is difficult to find Patrol rear pads agtermarket. Take a pad to Midas, they have a book with 1:1 drawings. Match the pad until you find a close fit. Cant remember but its either Almera or Etude front pads that are the closest. You have to grind off one 5x5mm section. But, being front pads they are lekker thick....and cheap

Ok that's on my 2000 4.2D GL

[mvcoller]

Etude front pads seem to ring a bell...

On the 4.5 1998 GU the Rear Brake Pads part no is D3543


Maybe we should place a list of the most used part numbers somewhere in this site. I will add my list, maybe Ian can make a plan......

1998 GU Y61 Series 1 - Nissan Patrol 4500 (Petrol) PART NUMBERS
PG 225 – Alternator & Water pump Fan Belts (Uses 2 of these)
PG467 – Power Steering Fan Belt
PG 471 – Air Con Fan Belt
E 13 J – Fuel Filter
P2041 – Oil Filter
BPR6ES – Spark Plugs
R1565 – Air Filter
D3382 – Front Brake Pads
D3543 – Rear Brake Pads

[ChristophB]

I have a 2003 GRX and if I remember correctly for the rear pads I got Metelli brand and it was for Nissan Sentra.
Pads are kak though still plenty of pad left but started squeeking very early.

[SJC]

Hi All,

I need my rear brake pads replaced ASAP, and my preferred local mechanic who hasn’t yet given me reason to doubt his skills, told me that they prefer not to skim discs due to the lifetime and strength of the disks going downhill. Instead they shape the PADS with a grinder to fit the shape (presumably convex ridges) of the discs! I understand arguments against skimming, but haven’t heard of pad shaping before....does this seem reasonable?

The other thing I’m wondering about is that I was considering getting Terrain Tamer fortified pads (presumably they are ceramic)...but now I’m not sure how the change in material will shape the unskimmed discs going forward and if that’s something to worry about.

Thanks,
D.

Is this on the 4.5 or 4.2? (Is your wifes 4.2 a gq?)

And, it is difficult to find Patrol rear pads agtermarket. Take a pad to Midas, they have a book with 1:1 drawings. Match the pad until you find a close fit. Cant remember but its either Almera or Etude front pads that are the closest. You have to grind off one 5x5mm section. But, being front pads they are lekker thick....and cheap

Ok that's on my 2000 4.2D GL

GQ rear pads is Ferodo fdb 937

[Witbobbejaan]

Thanks everyone

SJC: it's for 4.5 GU/Y61 (yes the TB42 is GQ/Y60)

[Witbobbejaan]

Etude front pads seem to ring a bell...

On the 4.5 1998 GU the Rear Brake Pads part no is D3543


Maybe we should place a list of the most used part numbers somewhere in this site. I will add my list, maybe Ian can make a plan......

1998 GU Y61 Series 1 - Nissan Patrol 4500 (Petrol) PART NUMBERS
PG 225 – Alternator & Water pump Fan Belts (Uses 2 of these)
PG467 – Power Steering Fan Belt
PG 471 – Air Con Fan Belt
E 13 J – Fuel Filter
P2041 – Oil Filter
BPR6ES – Spark Plugs
R1565 – Air Filter
D3382 – Front Brake Pads
D3543 – Rear Brake Pads

Good idea Malcolm! Thanks for reminding me: I recalled there are two previous posts people started doing this. The link below is the most extensive thread I think....

viewtopic.php?t=262&hilit=service+parts