Brake pads are essential components of any vehicle’s braking system and keeping them in good working order is critical to everyone’s safety.

The good news is that your car will probably give little signs when your brake pads are reaching the end of their lifespan, making it easier to diagnose and replace them.

Keep reading the article and find out what important and common signs you should look out for to know it’s time to change your.

 

What are brake pads?

Brake pads are made from a softer material than brake drums or discs so it is expected to wear faster than the other components. This wear comes from the friction and temperature caused by braking.

It is therefore important to carry out preventive maintenance to inspect them regularly.

If the brake pads wear out earlier than expected, it is possible that other components of the braking system are damaged, such as the brake discs.

 

How long do brake pads last?

On average and depending on the use made of the brake system, brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 km.

However, this figure can vary depending on driving conditions, driving styles and the use given to the brake system.

 

What are the differences between disc brakes and drum brakes?

Car manufacturers fit two types of brakes on passenger cars: drum brakes and disc brakes.

Both use friction to reduce the vehicle’s speed, but there are differences between them.

Find out in the next section.

 

What are disc brakes?

In a disc brake system, the brake disc rotates with the wheel and the brake calliper is fixed to the suspension.

When you press the brake pedal, the brake fluid acts on the pumps and, as a result, the brake pads are pushed against the disc, forcing it to lose speed through friction.

 

What are drum brakes?

A drum brake system consists of a drum, pads and cylinders and when you press the brake pedal the brake fluids push the cylinders and shoes against the drum.

With this type of brake, the drum rotates with the wheel and the cylinders are fixed.

For effective braking with drum breaks the system must be leak-proof so that foreign objects cannot enter.

 

 

10 Signs you need to change your brake pads

 

1.Warning light is on in the dashboard

Keep an eye on the lights that come on in your car’s dashboard, as this is the first sign of a fault.

Even if this light is flashing, it is important not to ignore it.

 

2.Loud noise coming from the brakes

If your brake pads are worn, the first thing you will notice is a squealing noise coming from your brakes.

This noise is usually caused by excessively worn brake pads.

 

3.Grinding sound when braking

If you hear a grinding noise when you press on the brake pedal, then the brake pads need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Some brake pads have metal wear indicators, designed to make a loud noise and alert you to replace them.

 

4.Vibrations when braking

Vibration when braking is another sign that your brake system needs a professional intervention.

Most likely, the brake discs are warped , generating uneven brake pad wear.

 

5.Increased braking distance

Another important sign that your brakes need to be checked is a loss of performance when applying them.

If you feel that the car is taking more distance to break it could mean that the brake pads are completely worn or the brake oil level is too low.

 

6.Brake pads feel thin

One way to easily check the condition of your brake pads is to visually inspect them.

To do this, look between the spokes of the wheels and locate the brake pads. If they appear to be 1-1.5 millimetres thinner, you probably need a new set of brake pads.

 

7.Pedal pressure is different

Lack of brake pressure when you put your foot down for a brake, can be a sign that you need to change the brake pads.

 

8.The pedal vibrates or pulsates

When you press the brake pedal and it vibrates, it means that there is irregular wear on the brake disc or brake pads.

 

9.Braking is uneven on one side

During braking, the car should have the stability to stop in a straight line.

If you feel the vehicle slides to one side, it could indicate uneven brake pad wear on different wheels.

In this case you should check the whole system and replace the pads.

 

10.Wheels lock up even though the vehicle has ABS

A worn brake pad can lead to complete wheel lock-up.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is time to change the brake pads.

 

 

 How to change brake pads?

 

1.Turn the steering of the vehicle and loosen the wheel bolts

You should steer in the direction that makes it easy to remove the wheel to access the brake, i.e. if you want to change on a right hand wheel, you should turn the steering to the right hand side and vice versa.

To loosen the bolts without removing them, use a wheel’s wrench.

 

2.Raise the car and remove the wheel

Use a hydraulic jack to raise the vehicle and complete the bolts removal.

Then remove the wheel and access the brake.

 

3.Extract the brake pads

To remove the brake pads, you must use an Allen key to loosen the bolts holding the pads in place.

On some vehicles it is necessary to completely remove the disc system and if so, take extra care not to damage the brake pipes.

 

4.Insert the new brake pads together with the brake pad wear indicator

At this step it might be necessary to use a brake rewind tool to put the brake pistons in place.

Otherwise, it will be impossible to fit the brake pads.

After fitting the new brake pads, screw everything back on with the same tightening torques recommended by the brand.

 

5. Insert the wheel back

Put the wheel back in its place and screw it on with a torque wrench to keep the car manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

6. Apply pressureon the brake

It is recommended to press several times the brake pedal for the piston to push the brake pad to its optimal working place.

 

7. Ride 100 kilometres without hard braking

During the first 100 km you should not brake sharply, as you risk reduce brake padslife spam

 

What tools do I need to change the brake pads?

• Wheel wrench;
• Allen key set;
• Brake rewind tool
• Hydraulic Jack.

 

What are the prices of brake pads?

Brake pad prices range between 20 and 80 euros.

When buying brake pads, you should take into account which axle you are buying them for, as the brake pads on the front axle are different from those used on the rear axle of the car.

 

What is the price of changing brake pads?

The price to change the brake pads can range from €60 to €250, depending on the quality, brand and the vehicle in question.

Keep in mind that this figure includes the brake pads price and the mechanic’s labour.

One of the sensitive points when replacing brake pads is the brake pad wear indicator. Make sure it is correcting reading .

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