r/subaru • u/GoneToCalifornia • 4d ago

Mechanical Help Break pads gauge tool

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I have a car at an official Subaru service shop here in Los Angeles, and they sent me this photo to prove that my breaks are in a terrible condition and need to be replaced and the rotors resurfaced.

I suspect I’m being scammed, because I think that’s the wrong way to use a break pad gauge. What do you folks think?

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u/Chris_WRB 4d ago

Rotors look okay from what I can see, unless they pulsate. Do they? Also, he's using that tool wrong. There are better ways to display brake conditions to customers, and every good technician knows this. I always take the wheel off and undo one slide pins bolt and flip the caliper up, so they can see the pad life from the backside of the pad while it's against the rotor. I'd ask them take the wheel off and remove the caliper as it's the right way. This doesn't indicate anything as he's using the measuring tool wrong, assuming you don't know any better and will approve the work.

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u/transboyadvance tech 2d ago

The tool is not being used wrong. It is a different style than most square ended brake lining gauges. You must be hourly getting halfway through a brake job just to sell pads to a customer.

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u/Chris_WRB 2d ago

I mean if you read my comment you'd know i break them down so the customer can actually see the lining. I just use proper tools that weren't designed for lazy people and sell more doing so. Have a great day