Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most important safety systems. Every time you press the brake pedal, several components work together to slow and stop your vehicle. The brake pads, calipers, and rotors all have an important job.
Over time, brake components wear out and need to be replaced. Knowing the warning signs can help you take care of a brake problem before it becomes a bigger and more expensive repair.
At All About Automotive, we help drivers in the Gresham area keep their brakes working properly with inspections and quality brake repairs.
How Do Brake Pads, Calipers, and Rotors Work Together?
When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure causes the brake caliper to squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotor. The friction between the pads and rotor slows the wheel and brings your vehicle to a stop.
Each part has a different job.
Brake pads create the friction needed to slow the vehicle. Because they wear down as you drive, they are a normal maintenance item.
Brake rotors are the smooth discs that the brake pads press against. They can wear, become damaged, or develop thickness variations from excessive heat.
Brake calipers hold the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to push them against the rotor. The caliper and its moving components also need to operate properly for the brakes to work evenly.
When these components work together correctly, your vehicle should stop smoothly and safely.
Signs Your Brake Pads May Need to Be Replaced
Your brakes may give you warning signs when something needs attention. Some common signs include:
- Squealing or squeaking when braking
- Grinding noises
- A vibration or pulsation when stopping
- Longer stopping distances
- A brake pedal that feels different
- The vehicle pulling to one side when stopping
- A brake warning light
- Brake pads that are worn below the manufacturer’s recommended thickness
Some noises and symptoms can be caused by other brake problems, which is why a proper inspection is important.
What Happens During a Brake Pad Replacement?
Brake pad replacement should begin with a thorough brake inspection. A technician needs to determine how much the brake pads have worn and whether the rotors, calipers, and other brake components are in good condition.
Inspect and Service the Calipers
During brake service, the technician checks the calipers and their moving parts. Depending on the design of the brake system, caliper guide pins and contact points may need to be cleaned and lubricated with the correct brake lubricant.
Proper caliper operation helps the brake pads apply and release correctly.
Can the Rotors Be Turned or Do They Need to Be Replaced?
If the brake rotors are still within the manufacturer’s specifications and their condition allows it, they may sometimes be resurfaced, often called “turning” the rotors.
However, not every rotor can or should be resurfaced. Modern rotors may be designed with less material available for resurfacing, and a rotor that is too thin, damaged, or below specification needs to be replaced.
Your technician can measure the rotors and determine which option is appropriate.
Replace the Brake Pads
Once the other components have been inspected and serviced as needed, the worn brake pads can be replaced with the correct parts for your vehicle.
The brake system is then checked to make sure everything is operating properly.
Don’t Wait Until Your Brakes Are Grinding
Brake pads are designed to wear over time. Replacing them before they become completely worn can help prevent damage to the rotors and other brake components.
Regular visual brake checkups are an important part of preventative maintenance and can help you catch worn brake pads before they become a larger problem.
Taking care of your brakes also helps protect your vehicle and can contribute to long-term vehicle longevity.
Schedule a Brake Inspection or Brake Pad Replacement
If you hear unusual noises, feel vibrations when braking, or aren’t sure how much life is left in your brake pads, don’t wait until you have a serious braking problem. The team at All About Automotive can inspect your brakes and explain what your vehicle needs. We proudly serve drivers throughout Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Corbett. Schedule a brake inspection today and make sure your brakes are ready to safely stop your vehicle.
The post How Do I Know When My Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced? appeared first on All About Automotive.
