Common Brake Pad Issues, Indications & Diagnosis
Brake pads are one of the most crucial parts of a vehicle’s braking system. They are the friction material that presses against the brake rotors to slow and stop the wheels when the brakes are applied. As friction material, brake pads wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced. Properly functioning brake pads are essential for safe braking and preventing accidents. Worn out or faulty brake pads can severely compromise braking performance and put drivers and passengers at risk.
This article will provide an overview of common brake pad issues, what signs to look for when pads are wearing out, how to diagnose problems, and best practices for brake pad maintenance and replacement. Understanding potential brake pad problems and being proactive with inspections and replacements is key to sustaining safe braking and preventing costly damage to other brake components. With the right knowledge, drivers can stay alert to any problems with their brake pads and take action before they lead to safety issues.
Common Brake Pad Issues
Worn brake pads are one of the most common brake pad issues that can occur. As pads wear down over time, they will eventually wear down to the point where they need to be replaced. Signs of worn brake pads include squealing or grinding noises when braking, longer stopping distances, and pulsations or vibrations felt in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking (source).
Uneven brake pad wear can also be an issue. This is when one brake pad wears faster than the other. It’s usually caused by something like a stuck caliper piston, worn suspension components, or misalignment. Uneven wear will lead to reduced braking power and the need for earlier replacement of the thinner pad (source).
Glazing of the brake pads can occur when the pads get too hot during braking. This causes the binding agents in the pad material to glaze over, reducing friction and braking power. Glazed pads will need to be sanded or replaced to restore proper braking ability (source).
Noisy brakes are another common brake pad issue. Sounds like squealing, grinding, or squeaking indicate that the brake pads are worn and need replacement. Noises occur once the pad wear indicator makes contact with the rotor as the pad material gets low (source).
Causes of Brake Pad Issues
There are several common causes of brake pad issues that drivers should be aware of.
Driving habits play a big role in brake pad wear. Frequent hard braking and stop-and-go driving can cause more friction and accelerate wear. Riding the brakes downhill and resting your foot on the brake pedal can also increase wear over time (Lesschwab.com).
Environmental factors like cold weather, rain, snow, and mud can lead to brake pad issues. In cold climates, road salt and grime can contaminate brake pads causing them to wear out faster. Driving in rain or snow requires more frequent braking which accelerates wear (Lesschwab.com).
Mechanical problems in the braking system often manifest as brake pad issues. A stuck or seized caliper can cause uneven pad wear, overheating, and noise. Misalignments in the braking system can also cause pads to wear unevenly or make improper contact with the rotor. Worn suspension components like ball joints can alter wheel angles and cause accelerated pad wear (Haynes.com).
Indications of Brake Pad Issues
There are several key indications that your brake pads may be worn out or experiencing other issues that require attention. Here are some of the most common signs:
- Brake pedal pulses: As the pad material wears thin, you may feel the brake pedal pulse back against your foot when applying pressure. This is due to uneven pad thickness.
- Longer stopping distance: Worn brake pads reduce friction and braking power, meaning it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop when braking.
- High pitched squealing: Thin pads can cause the brake’s wear indicator to scrape against the rotor, creating a loud screeching or squealing noise when braking.
- Vibration: Uneven pad wear can lead to brake pedal or steering wheel vibration when braking due to rotor unevenness.
- Uneven pad thickness: Inside vs outside pad wear may differ, causing pedal pulsation and issues with stopping power.
Paying attention to these signs can help identify issues before they lead to more serious brake problems. It’s always best to have your pads inspected and replaced when worn.
When to Replace Pads
There are a few key indications that your brake pads need replacing:
Manufacturer recommendations – Most automakers recommend inspecting brake pads during scheduled maintenance intervals, usually every 25,000-30,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended interval.
Minimum pad thickness – Most brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a screeching noise when the pads reach a minimum thickness, usually 3-4mm. This indicates it’s time to replace them.
Visual inspection – You can visually inspect the brake pads by removing the wheels. The pads should be replaced when only 1-2mm of friction material is left.
Reduced stopping power – Fading or reduced braking power is a sign the pads are wearing thin and need replacement. As the pads wear down, you’ll need to press harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle.
Vibration or pulsation – If you feel the brake pedal or steering wheel vibrating when braking, this indicates uneven pad wear and the need for replacement.
Squealing or grinding noises – High-pitched squeals when braking mean the pads have worn through the friction material and need immediate replacement.
How to Diagnose Brake Pad Issues
There are several ways to diagnose potential brake pad issues before they become serious problems:
Visual Inspection
Take a close look at your brake pads and rotors. The pads should have plenty of friction material left, at least 3-4mm or more. The rotors should not show any deep grooves, cracks, or discoloration. Any issues spotted visually may indicate worn brake pads or other problems.
Measure Pad Thickness
Use a ruler or calipers to measure the thickness of the brake pad friction material. This should be compared to the recommended minimum thickness by your vehicle manufacturer, usually around 3mm for front pads and 4mm for rear. If below the minimum, the brake pads need to be replaced.
Listen for Noises
Apply the brakes lightly while the car is moving slowly and listen for any squeaking, grinding or scraping noises. These sounds often indicate that the brake pads have worn down completely.
Check Calipers and Rotors
Inspect the brake calipers and rotors for any leaks, cracks, warping or uneven wear. Any issues with the calipers or warped rotors can cause problems with brake pad functionality and wear.
Preventative Maintenance
Engaging in regular preventative maintenance is crucial to avoiding major brake issues and ensuring the safety of you and your passengers. Here are some tips for proper preventative brake maintenance:
- Inspect brake pads during every oil change or at least every 6 months/6,000-12,000 miles. Check that pads are not overly worn down and don’t show signs of damage or contamination.
- Visually inspect rotors for grooves, glazing, or uneven wear that indicates they may need resurfacing or replacement.
- Check brake fluid levels regularly and bleed the brake system according to manufacturer specifications to prevent air bubbles and loss of pressure.
- Replace brake fluid at least every 2 years as moisture contamination can reduce boiling point and lead to brake failure.
In addition to regular inspections, proper driving habits help preserve brake pad life:
- Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
- Brake early and gradually rather than late and hard.
- Downshift on declines rather than riding the brakes.
Finally, promptly addressing any potential issues like squealing, vibration or pulling prevents further wear and damage. Replace pads before they are fully worn down to the metal backing plate.
Brake Pad Replacement
Replacing brake pads is a common maintenance task that can improve braking performance and extend the life of other brake components. Follow these steps for a safe brake pad replacement:
Step 1 – Prepare for the Job
Gather the proper tools – jack and jack stands, lug wrench, C-clamps, brake pad spreader, brake pad grease. Check your vehicle’s manual for any specific instructions. Wear protective eyewear and gloves.
Step 2 – Lift the Vehicle
Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Use the jack to lift the front of the vehicle and securely place jack stands under the frame. Remove the front wheels. [1]
Step 3 – Remove the Caliper
Use C-clamps to push the caliper piston in to provide clearance. Remove the caliper bolts and detach the caliper from the caliper bracket. Hang the caliper out of the way using a bungee or wire.
Step 4 – Remove the Old Pads
Pry out the retaining clips and slide out the brake pads. If the rotors are being replaced, now is the time to remove them as well. Clean the caliper bracket with brake cleaner.
Step 5 – Install New Pads
Apply a thin layer of brake pad grease to the contact points between the pads and caliper. Insert the new pads and secure using the retaining clips. Press in the piston using a brake pad spreader.
Step 6 – Reinstall the Caliper
Remount the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to specification. Reinstall the front wheels. Slowly lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands and wheel chocks. Pump the brake pedal to restore proper operation.
Aftermarket vs OEM Pads
When it comes to brake pads, vehicle owners have the choice between aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pads. There are some key differences between the two in terms of price, quality, and options.
Aftermarket pads tend to be less expensive than OEM pads. You can typically purchase a set of aftermarket pads for $20-50 per axle, while OEM pads range from $50-150 per axle (https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/oem-vs-aftermarket-brake-pads). The cost savings of aftermarket pads make them appealing, but you may sacrifice some quality.
OEM pads are designed specifically for your make and model of vehicle. They go through extensive testing and quality control from the vehicle manufacturer. OEM pads often use higher grade materials and machining for optimal performance. Aftermarket pads vary in quality – some match OEM specs while others cut corners. Lower quality aftermarket pads may wear faster or produce more dust (https://www.bramanminiofmiami.com/blog/2022/july/22/oem-vs-aftermarket-brakes-which-are-better.htm).
Aftermarket pads offer greater choice in compounds for different driving conditions. You can find ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic options. OEM only offers one pad compound designed for average driving. If you want a high-performance or heavy-duty pad, aftermarket is the way to go.
Conclusion
In summary, proper brake maintenance is crucial for vehicle safety and performance. The brake pads and rotors are wear items that deteriorate over time and need to be inspected regularly. Indications of worn brake pads include squealing, grinding, pulsating brakes, longer stopping distance and vibration when braking. It’s recommended to replace brake pads before they wear down to 3 mm. Preventative maintenance like brake inspections, brake fluid flushes, cleaning calipers and lubricating hardware can extend the life of your brakes.
Replacing worn brake pads is essential maintenance to ensure your brakes function properly and you can stop safely. Consider using quality aftermarket or OEM brake pads and have them installed by a professional mechanic. Properly functioning brakes are vital for protecting yourself and others on the road.
Check your brake pads regularly and watch for any signs they may need replacement. Schedule brake maintenance right away if you notice any issues. Healthy brakes lead to safer driving.