Ok here is the entire story...I purchased the Mor/Ryde on 6/3/09. They come with ceramic brake pads.
On 5/10/11 I found a brake line to the left rear wheel had been flattened by the frame during a time that the breaks were applied. This caused the pads to the left rear to be continually applied wearing the pad completely. I luckily checked the rear wheel to see how the pads were doing. The reason for doing this was at the advice of Kodiak out of Fort Worth. They said that I should inspect the pads at least every 10,000 miles because most people adjust their trailer brakes so that they are applied earlier than needed and making the trailer to stop the tow vehicle as well. Wearing the pads out much earlier than normal. All the other three sets of pads were in good condition and I added a new hydraulic line and new pads to the left rear. I am wanting to check the pads on the trailer to make sure they are wearing well or need attention.
On 8/12/2011 I had the brakes go out on my F250 and limped back into Raton NM. Break fluid was leaking out. I was not pulling the trailer. The Ford dealership checked the brakes and found that the caliper, pad and rotor had a problem and was ruined. They replaced the right rear rotor and all the pads on the rear axle. I have had the front pads changed earlier. I am told that on almost all vehicles the front brake pads will wear out quicker than the rear, due to the front brakes are always applied first when applying the brakes. This has been true in my case.
So to be safe I want to check all the brake pads on both the truck and trailer to know how much wear has taken place and have an idea of how long it might be that I have until I need to replace the pads.
I am trying to be proactive. I don't know that they need to be replaced, I just want to know how much pad I have left. I would rather replace the pads early than have a problem by trying to run them low and have to replace a rotor and other parts on either the truck or trailer.
So you understand. I carry a spare rotor for the Kodiak disks on the trailer. Did this because we were planning to go to Alaska and when talking to the Kodiak people in Fort Worth, they suggested that I carry one because getting one shipped there is not as quick and easy as here in the US...
When I take my truck to my Ford Dealer they always do some checks including the brakes. I think they have a little tool that they slip between the rotor and the metal of the pad that indicates how much pad is remaining. I was hoping to find one of these little tools so I won't have to remove all eight tires. Trying to be lazy... Getting to old to remove thes 17 & 17.5" heavy tires.
Thanks for all the help. One way or the other I will get'er done...
BC