The brake pads may be inspected without removal. With the front or rear end elevated and supported, remove the wheel(s). On front wheels, unlock the steering column lock and turn the wheel so that the brake caliper is out from under the fender.
View the pads, inner and outer, through the cut-out in the center of the caliper. Remember to look at the thickness of the pad friction material (the part that actually presses on the disc) rather than the thickness of the backing plate which does not change with wear.
| Fig. 1: Inspect the pads for wear when removed
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Keep in mind that you are looking at the profile of the pad, not the whole thing. Brake pads can wear on a taper which may not be visible through the window. It is also not possible to check the contact surface for cracking or scoring from this position. This quick check can be helpful only as a reference; detailed inspection requires pad removal.
