I tried a search but couldn't really find a solid conversation about other people's wear as it pertains to miles.

I have 12,000 miles on my '09 X coupe. Last weekend I started hearing some squeaking coming from the brakes. It happens mostly when I am moving slowly in a parking lot and need to come to a stop. Anyone else have these issues? I'll be very surprised if the pads are low already. Is that sound an early indicator that they'll need to be replaced soon? I don't feel like leaving it up to the dealer to tell me. Seems like a non sport G with normal driving should at least go 20k.

 

Under normal driving conditions your brakes should last considerably longer then 12,000 miles.
Are you in the habit of resting your foot on the brake pedal, when your driving?
That might seem like a silly question, but I've seen quite a few cars with their brake lights constantly coming on, for no apparent reason.

 

Even 20K seems too soon. Is the noises coming from the front or rear? The sweaking could perhaps be debris that got caught between your pads and rotor. Are the rotors scored or have any unusual grooves? Maybe the caliper retainers have gone slightly loose? I would think at this day in age there are wear sensors that would let you know anyways....

 

If the noise is coming when you are applying the brakes it is probably just normal brake noise. The wear indicators are designed to make a screeching type noise when the brakes are NOT applied at all....

 

find a coupon for a free brake inspection.

 

does the sound occur only when in reverse or anytime when at slow speeds? I've heard many say that their brakes squeak when in reverse (mine does occasionally... haven't been able to figure out what the X factor is [moisture, temp, etc])

 

Mine started squealing at 3,500 miles - brand new 2010 Journey. Going in for my first oil change on Friday (8/06) and will ask them about it. Also pulling to the right, when slowly stopping ... Hmmmm ...

 

My car was at 45,000 miles when I traded in and the pads were still decent. I had the brake squeal going in reverse, but it was like that from day 1.

 

Incorrect. Brake wear indicators are designed to make a distinct screeching sound when you apply the brakes.

 

I'm at 32.7K and my brakes still feel fantastic. I think the last time I went into the dealership (a few months ago), I had 6/32 left (that number sticks in my head...not 100% sure if that's right). I think I'll get to at least 45K before they'll need replacing.

 

6/32" would be tires. Maybe 6mm?

 

That was probably your tire tread depth. Normally, they "measure" pad life in a percentage figure. For example, they'll tell you that you have 50% left on your brake pads.

 

Infiniti writes up how many mm you have of friction material left on the pads.

 

Not my dealer. They use percentages. It may vary from dealer to dealer though. As far as I know, there's no set rule that they have to follow.

 

New pads are roughly 10mm anyways