Brake pads are considered one of the most short-lived parts of each car. At the same time, the cost of the car does not affect the stability of the pads. It is useful to know how these elements of the machine function, how much the cost of the new kit will cost, as well as the intricacies of maintenance and repair.
The brake pads are…
A commonly used type of brake is a “disc brake” with the principle of working like a bicycle. Pressing the pedal causes the friction materials to press against the wheel. As a result of the friction force, sufficient heat is generated. In this way, the rotation energy is converted to thermal energy. After the rotational energy disappears, the wheels begin to turn more slowly, which makes the car brake.
Brake pads are an element that allows the use of friction force when using a car. These operating components are pressed against the front and rear surfaces of the brake disc or rotor mounted on the wheel bearing. With the deceleration of the speed of rotation of the brake disc, a decrease in the speed of the wheel occurs.
The “drum brake” is the second type of brake used in cars of various types. Their “braking power” is not large compared to the first type. An advantage is the easy way to attach to the cable, which facilitates their manual handling. This type is introduced into cars with a hand brake, when activated, drum brakes that are exclusively on the rear wheels begin to operate.
Modern types of cars are produced with disc brakes installed on all wheels. The hand brake is replaced with an electronic parking brake with an electric signal to press the pads into the disc. At the same time, the traction of such a brake during movement is impossible.
The Brake Pads: Manufacturing
The main material for making brake pads is metal. In some cases, alloys of iron, graphite, steel and copper are used to reduce costs. Some countries have already abandoned or continue to exclude copper from the composition of alloys in the manufacture of pads. Analysis of the data obtained in the study of copper safety for the environment showed disappointing results.
Reasons for using metals in most brake pads:
- Durability and safety;
- Quickly transfers heat from brake discs;
- Common, affordable;
- Show excellent test and performance results.
Disadvantages of metal brake pads are:
- Heating of the elements is required, taking up to 2 minutes;
- Add minor gravity to the vehicle structure.
Replacement of the Brake Pads
The wear time of the working components depends on the use of the brakes. There is a phenomenon such as “brake decay” – intense braking for a long time. The high temperature of the brakes reduces the braking effect of the machine, which makes you think about the failure of the working elements.
The weakening of the brakes for a short time allows them to cool. When the brakes are actually worn, they must be replaced with new ones. All brake pads are equipped with a strip of metal. Wear of the elements is indicated by a sharp scraping of the brakes issued by the metal plate.
How to Extend Brake Life
Smooth and soft braking is the best way not to think about replacing elements for a long time. Do not press the pedal hard. Instead, it is better to resort to maneuverability and smoothness. A similar principle applies to throttle, clutch, and rudder pedals. With caution, you can save car brakes and make them work longer.
It is also desirable to examine them from time to time to understand their general state on appearance.
Other Ways to Find Out If Your Brake Pads Need Replacing
Most modern cars are equipped with special sensors. They are attached to the inner working element. The instruments capture the lowering of the pad, which is reflected on the control panel in the form of a warning signal with a rather unpleasant sound. In case of such a sign, it is necessary to take care of the purchase of new brakes.
The failure of the elements will indicate the speed with which the machine will apply brakes. It’s easy enough to feel it. This is due to the loss of the ability of the pads to apply a large friction force to the rotor. In this case, it is recommended to contact the maintenance personnel. Do not postpone the replacement of brakes. If, when the brakes are activated, the machine deviates slightly to the left or right side, this indicates not the same wear of the working elements. Especially in their front part. Braking problems can be caused not only by wear of the brake pads. Attention should be paid to the entire braking system in order to effectively solve the difficulties.
Often the problem is found in brake calipers – on the side of the shoe with a greater degree of wear. There is also a possibility of leakage in the brake line. However, the source of poor braking can be steering (puncture, sensor, steering rail, etc.). Experts recommend visually checking the brake pads. Using the flashlight, you can inspect the external working element and make sure that it needs to be replaced quickly.
The law does not prohibit the use of pads with wear, but the braking efficiency will be small. Inspection is possible at wheel removal (steel, alloy). Looking at the brakes will allow you to approximately measure the degree of wear. Tape-measure can be used for this purpose.
Rotor and Pads – to Replace Or Not
Experts believe that both need to be replaced. And this is not about the entrepreneurship of mechanics. When replacing only the pads in the braking system, the above problems can be maintained. In addition, today, many Car Maintenance employees, knowing about the problem with the brake disc, do not risk replacing only the pads, since an incorrect approach to the problem can cause an accident and harmful consequences for the owner of the car and for other road users.
The reason for replacing both the rotor and brake pads is as follows. The pads are in the rotor recess as it operates by rotation. The depression develops as the car is used, which affects the pads as a whole. When replacing only brake pads, they may not abut upon the rotor enough due to the minor differences that their manufacturer endowed. The result can be a complete absence of braking force.
Replacement of brake discs is carried out when reaching 20 or 30 thousand miles. If it is necessary to replace the old working elements with new ones earlier, the problem lies in the braking system. Thus, it is necessary to check the entire braking system, as well as simultaneously replace the rotating part and pads.
How Much Would New Rotors and Pads Cost
The price depends on a number of factors:
- Region and country of residence;
- Reputation and experience of the car maintenance and repair company;
- The level of competitiveness of companies in the market of services engaged in the supply of components for cars and repair services;
- Availability of different brands and a large selection of products. We recommend that each owner-driver consults with chosen company about the possibility of selecting different price categories of work items. For some goods there is a guarantee and a number of favorable offers for the client;
- The type of car also plays an important role in the issue of the cost of replacing necessary operating elements. The higher the price of the car, the more expensive such a procedure will cost. For example, in the United States, you will have to pay up to $400 for replacing the rotor and pads for a car with an average cost (the service includes installation, balancing wheels, and the work of specialists).
All factors together will affect the final cost. If you are well versed in your own car and have the skills to work as a mechanic, you can install the components yourself, having previously spent money on a set of good quality brake discs and pads.
So, brake pads are one of the main working units of any car. It is necessary to monitor the process of their operation. The quality of driving and the timely replacement of working parts guarantee the safe use of the vehicle.
