Changing front pads and drums on 2003 Corolla.

What thickness of pads and drums is preferred/acceptable?

Front pads do not have drums, they have rotors.

Pads go with rotors, shoes go with drums. rotors and drums have numbers
stamped on them to define the min thickness (rotors) or max diameter
(drums). It is common that one might want to machine the rotor or drum
surfaces, but it is important to not make the resulting rotor or drum
material exceed the specification. The machine shop will know if the result
will give a dangerous condition.

The pads and shoes themselves do not have a spec, you replace them as needed
and observe the as needed basis through direct inspection of the parts. As a
general rule of thumb, you will consume two sets of pads on the front for
each set of shoes on the rear. (Your mileage may vary.) You didn't say how
many miles you have on the car, but if this is your first set ot brake pads,
then you likely do not need rotors or rear brake parts. IF you allowed the
front pads to wear so far as to allow metal to metal contact, then you have
likely destroyed the rotors to the point where they will require
replacement. If you are not down to metal on metal, then odds favor machine
work to make the rotors smooth again, and prepare them for new pads.

Since you are asking this sort of stuff, and mixing terms (pads and drums),
I suggest you have this work done at a brake shop. Or, be sure to stay in
front of me. <sorry for the poor attempt at humor>





"I_Google_I" <ez_the_elf (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr (AT) verizon (DOT) net> wrote

Pads and shoes do have a specification for minimum lining thickness. If the
lining thickness is less than 2 mm thick, the pads or shoes should be
replaced. Lining thickness when new is generally around 8 or 10 mm.

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)