Propulsion

are oem pads squeaky when worn? I read somewhere that this is how they signal the time to change pads.

ahcjar103

yes.

cobalt

the oem pads have a wear sensor, which is basically just a mild metal tab that is staked onto (typically) the inner pad. when the pad wears to the point that the metal tab touches the rotor, the metal tab will cause a squealing/squeaking sound...hence, some of us in the brake pad biz calling them "squeakers" rather than "wear sensors". when they squeak...your next brake pad change is around the corner. on oem fitment calipers, the squeakers will be put on the inner pad (most of the time), because most oem calipers are single-sided piston sliding calipers...and the inner pad (that is in contact with the piston(s)) will wear faster than the outer pad in most cases.

other cars, such as the Supra or M3 will have dual-sided piston caliers, so their may be wear sensors on both the inner and outer pads.

hth... -andie