First, remove the wheel of the Cadillac CT5 and reset the brake caliper. It is best to use specialized tools; if not available, a screwdriver can be used. Then, remove the caliper fixing bolts to take off the brake pads. The methods to determine whether the brake pads need replacement are as follows: 1. Based on pad thickness: Measure the thickness of the brake pads. A new brake pad is approximately 1.5cm thick, and its wear limit is 0.3cm. When the brake pad thickness approaches or is already below 0.3cm, it must be replaced. Moreover, when the brake pad thickness is less than the wear limit, the metal plate on the brake pad will rub against the brake disc, producing a metallic friction noise. Therefore, when such noise occurs while braking, the brake pads should be checked first. 2. Feel the change in braking force: Pay attention to the change in braking force when pressing the brake pedal. If braking always feels laborious, or if the brake is not as responsive as before, requiring more force than usual to achieve the desired braking effect, or if the pedal position feels lower during emergency braking with a longer pedal travel, then the brake pads must be inspected as soon as possible. 3. Observe the fault warning light: When the brake pad wear warning light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the brake pads need to be checked and replaced. However, it is important to note that this warning light is not the brake fault warning light but a separate warning light specifically for brake pad wear. Additionally, not all vehicles are equipped with this warning light. Therefore, owners who rely on the brake pad wear warning light to remind them to replace the brake pads must first confirm whether their vehicle has this feature.
