Abstract: A brake pad with an integral wear indicator feature comprises a brake support plate, an underlayment on a surface of the brake support plate, and at least one friction material layer on the underlayment, the underlayment including an effective amount of metallic particles that have a cross sectional area of at least 0.05 mm2, and a length greater than 0.10 mm. The underlayment produce a loudness of at least 70 dB and a frequency as measured six feet from the underlayment of at least 1.5 kHz when the underlayment contacts a braking surface of a brake assembly, thus providing a distinctive warning to a driver that brake service is required.