Okay this is probably an easy question but my brakes are starting to squeak and I was wondering how I could check the brake pads? (81 elky if it matters for the brakes) I have never checked them before and I thought this skill might be helpful skill down the road.

Please inform me.

Pull the wheel and look at the pads, on one end there should be a thin metal tab (this is a wear sensor) that is bent around to point at the rotor. If it is touching the rotor (with someone applying the brakes) that is the cause of the squeak and means it is time to change your pads.

What about the rear drums?

You will have to pull the drums and look at the shoes, if they're thin change them, good time to take the drums to someplace and have them checked for roundness and scoreing.

i agree with Mama Mayhem

i agree with Mama Mayhem

A good rule of thumb. Anytime the pad lining is the same thinkness as the backing or thinner, the pads should be replaced. NOTE: Not all pads have wear indcators these days. Some even have sensors built into the pads to alert the driver the pads need replacing. As far as the shoes go. Measure the lining, off the top of my head, if its 5/16" or less they should be replaced. Remember some shoes are riveted and some are bonded. On the rivet style, you need to measure the distance to the rivet. Not the backing of the shoe. Anytime you replace the pads or shoes, the drums and rotors should be measured and if found within specs, machined. Rotors need to be cross-hatched (just like cylinder walls for piston rings) in order for the pads to seat. This is the final stage of the machining process. If they are out of specs (too thin), they will not disapate the heat and could cause brake fade. I personally like to replace them in pairs. Sometimes the pads have a metal plate attached to the backing. This plate likes to come off. This too will cause squealing. One other thing, when you replace your pads, apply a coat of "dics brake quite" to the backing of the pads. This will cause the pads to stick to the piston and the calipar. If you don't or they come loose, this will also cause squealing. If needed, you can clean the backing and reapply the "dics brake quite."

Bill

Okay, Thanks everyone for the help I will check them tomorrow

When you replace the pads, measure the thickness of the brake material when they come out of the box. Write the number down for future reference. When the pads wear down to 1/8", it's time to replace them. If you bought them from some place where you got a lifetime warranty, you MUST return them before they wear to less than 1/8" thick. Otherwise, that voids the lifetime warranty. Over the years, I am guessing I have returned my pads at least 10 times for free replacements. I don't mind the work and the price is great!