My tC has 34000 miles on it... my brakes keep making the loud squeeking sound. I called the service dept @ scion and of course they said, "you need to replace them". But when I look at the pads on the 2 front brakes, they look like theyve still got another 50%. My questions are:
1) Whats up with the squeeking?
2) Do I really need to replace them @ 34000 miles w/ moderate driving?
3) Does anyone know how to install them (if I do need to replace them) because I trust my own work, rather than the service people...?

Thank you!

34k miles? of course they need to be replaced, im surprised you got as far as you did.

The brake pad installation can be found here:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=86011&highlight=brake+pad+install

good luck

Really? I am at 33k and no noise, and they work decently.
I drive pretty hard on backroads and brake pretty good, however most of my miles are highway, and backroads, not much city driving.

I would upgrade the brake pads to green stuff, cause the pads we have....I dont trust them to much...lol

I will be doing this change soon.

backroads here too, all the time! Anyways, where can I get the green stuff at a good price?

3) Does anyone know how to install them (if I do need to replace them) because I trust my own work, rather than the service people...?

Thank you!

i've changed the brake pads and rotors on every car i've ever owned and this one is by far the easiest. it would probably be a good one to learn on if you've never done it before.

Kinda disappointed in some people on here... anyways, I went to the dealership, and they said I "unbelieveably" have another 20,000 miles on the brakes

Kinda disappointed in some people on here... anyways, I went to the dealership, and they said I "unbelieveably" have another 20,000 miles on the brakes

Well - mine around 20ish or so % started squeaking and that is just the car telling you that you are going to need to be replacing them. There is a small metal piece that creates the noise when it gets down there.

Compare it to a stock pad they probably will look alot thinner - I replaced mine (only the front rear were at 80% still @ about 32,000 miles when I last checked the pads).

You may have quite a bit of mileage left on the brakes but it is a good idea to replace them I don't know if a thinner pad with less mass is less effective for not maybe someone has a word on what brakes @ 20ish % hazards can be.

When I changed my fronts I had to get on the brakes a few times to set them it felt like a little vibration in the front but ones I seated them it was back to normal.

most brake squealing is do to dirt on the pads or glazing. when you need to replace the pads the metal indicator that rubs the rotor will make an unmistakable noise. it will sound like metal on metal and it will be LOUD. you don't need to replace pads until this happens. you can if you want cause the brakes won't feel the same but its not really necissary.