Sooner or later, even the most reliable brake systems require maintenance and repair because their main components are consumables. These are, first of all, brake pads, discs, and brake fluid. Indianapolis mechanics from the Indy Auto Man used vehicle dealer reveals possible brake problems and shares tips on their maintenance.
How long do brake pads last?
In modern brakes, pads are the consumables you change the most frequently. Their service life depends on the driving style and is individual for each car model.
Typically, rapid acceleration necessitates harsh deceleration, leading to fast wear on the brake pads. On slippery surfaces, the electronics that use the brakes (the anti-skid system or ESP) also contribute to fast wear. Moreover, some models are well-known for their unreliable brake systems, requiring more frequent service.
Manufacturers claim that standard front brake pads last about 20 thousand miles. Most rear pads last 2-3 times longer since the load is lower.
How to determine if it is time to change?
You can estimate the wear visually – by the remainder of the friction material. The maximum thickness of the linings is specified in the car’s operating instructions. For disc brakes, this is usually 0.1 inch. The service center will likely offer playing it safe and change the pads even earlier — when there is 0.2 in left.
Manufacturers often include a recommendation for acceptable pad wear directly in their design. This is a groove of a certain depth that runs across the pad. Wear of the pad to the base of the slot is a signal for replacement.
A sensor is the easiest way to reveal the maximum wear. This can be a simple mechanical device that makes an extraneous sound when the pad reaches maximum thickness or an electronic sensor that will light a warning light on the instrument panel.
You can also note indirect signs of the need to replace the pads: a decrease in directional stability during braking, pedal softness, an increase in its travel, or low brake fluid level.
You should change the brake pads urgently if a dark coating appears on the working surface of the brake disc – this is friction material that has lost its properties. Also, a signal for repair is beating, noticeable during braking, vibration of the brake pedal, sharp creaking, or grinding.
Never skip maintenance
If you neglect timely pad replacement, the costs of subsequent repairs will increase sharply. Excessively worn linings can cause the pads to skew and the brakes to jam. And if it comes to braking with a bare metal base, the brake discs will also require replacement, which is much more expensive than a set of fresh pads.
When the linings are worn out, the pistons that press them to the discs protrude strongly from the brake calipers. This can lead to a brake fluid leak or air penetration into the hydraulic drive. Both cases mean a sharp drop in brake efficiency, up to their complete loss, and an emergency on the road.
Regardless of the brake mechanism type, one rule applies during maintenance: the pads are changed simultaneously on one axle. In other words, all front or all rear pads at once (the same applies to discs). This eliminates the uneven distribution of braking forces.
How to service the brake system
Driving carefully and avoiding extreme loads is only half the battle. Properly maintaining the brake system is vital.
Here are the simple recommendations to ensure that it serves long and reliably:
- Avoid counterfeits. Unfortunately, the spare parts market has an abundance of discs and brake pads from unknown manufacturers or even counterfeit ones. Buy parts from well-known brands and from reliable sellers who value their reputation.
- Opt for original discs and pads. You can also choose those from the same manufacturer that supplies their products to the conveyor where your car was assembled. This will ensure the compatibility of the parts. Otherwise, there may be a loss of braking efficiency, squealing, and a reduction in service life. For example, hard pads designed for higher operating temperatures can wear down standard brake discs too quickly.
- When replacing pads, be sure to check other components of the brake system. Pistons, caliper guides, pads in their seats – all this must move without jamming, which can lead to uneven wear of the pads and reduced braking efficiency. Before assembly, the entire unit must be cleaned of dirt and corrosion, and where required by the manufacturer, treated with a special lubricant. Famous brands put a tube of it in the box with new pads.
Addressing a reliable car repair station for maintenance will help prolong your car’s brake system life. Professional mechanics will estimate the level of wear and offer you a service schedule for safe operation.
