Binding rear brake - strange diagnosis from mechanic..help!

[Don]

I have just noticed that my rear brakes are shot  and the disk is well grooved.  New pads went on 6 months ago. My mechanic has just told me that you can expect pads to last 6 months and that the disk does not need replacing, although it is now very grooved on both sides.  The original Suzuki pads lasted from March 02 to Jan 05, the repalcments lasted 6 months!

I also would have thought that the disk needs replacing as wont it ruin the new pads.  I am a newbie as you can telll but any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[cobalt135]

Can't really tell you much about how long the pads should be lasting, but it should be way over 6 months.  If my disc was all grooved up from the pad backing you bet I would replace it, no hesitation.  I don't use the rear brake hardly ever, when it is wet or I really need to get slowed down.  I would probibally use it more if it did not squeal every time you step on it. :dunno:   Anyway when it comes to brakes I make sure they are in good condition.

[Kerry]

Some grooving of the rotor is normal.  For the minimum rotor thickness (and other rotor info) see this post and the rest of the message thread.

As for pad life, which pads did you replace the stockers with?  I have had very good luck with EBC Kevlar (now called "Organic") pads, and with my current Galfer Black pads.  (I get on the order of 16,000 - 18,000 miles out of a set.)  But both of these styles are designed to give OEM-like performance.  There are MANY kinds of pads ... perhaps you mounted some that were more grippy but shorter-lasting?

[knowlsey]

the rear rotor tends to groove more than the front for some reason or another, i have noticed this with a few bikes that i have tinkered with, as for the pads look for another brand, but do not go for double sintered unless you are changing the rear rotor for a good brand, the stock are no good for that type of pad.

[Blueknyt]

being as i barely use my rear brake so i hardly wear them.  when i first got my GS it was down to almost metal to metal.  finally changed them about 7 months later when i found a half used set in my parts box, they still werent metal to metal yet.