I live at 6500 feet and routinely drive mountain passes over 9000 feet. I
just had the rear brakes replaced for the 1st time at 77000 miles and still
have the original front brakes. I drive a 99 Accord EX 4 cyl 5 speed with
the original clutch as well. which may explain why I get such good brake
wear. BTW our 88 Prelude with 168.000 miles has gone through 2 sets of rear
and 1 set of front brakes and I've had the clutch replaced for the 1st
time at 128,000 miles. Both cars have disk brakes on all 4 corners.

Rick


"Caliban" <caliban27@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:B%YTa.118397$Io.10090137@newsread2.prod.itd.e arthlink.net...
> 1991 Honda Civic LX, 143k miles here
>
> I replaced my front brake pads with quality ones last year about this time
> and 16,000 miles ago. I have just completed a trip through two mountain
> ranges, each not more than about 6000 feet in elevation. I tried to use my
> engine to brake as much as possible. Now, after driving awhile each day,
> either my front or rear brakes or both are squealing when I hit them even
> lightly.
>
> Would rear (disc) brakes squeal?
>
> Could I have worn my high quality front brake pads down already? Might
they
> simply have become glazed due to a lot of use on long, steep downhills? Is
> it okay to drive with glazed brake pads? (IIRC, it is, as long as one can
> stand the noise. Will it go away as the glazed surface wears away?)
>
> I know brake pad wear is very much a function of driving habits and not
> mileage. But since I have never gone through a pair of brake pads this
> quickly, I am baffled.
>
> I will be removing one or both front wheels tomorrow to inspect the pad,
but
> comments today are welcome. People who drive in mountainous areas: Your
> experience with brake pad life is welcome.
>
>