How can I see the thickness of brake pads?
The braking systems of most private cars sold in the market today are mainly divided into disc brakes and drum brakes.
Disc brakes, also known as “disc brakes”, consist of a brake disc and a brake caliper.
When the wheels are working, the disc rotates with the wheels, and when the brakes are working, the brake caliper rubs against the disc to produce braking.
Drum brakes are connected to a brake drum from two bowl-like things.
The brake drum has built-in brake pads and reset springs, and after the brakes work, the brake pads inside the drum expand and the friction generated by the drum achieves the effect of deceleration and braking.
Brake pads and brake discs are two important components of a car’s braking system, and whether the braking system can work properly is related to the safety of the lives of the passengers.
So today we will teach you how to judge the thickness of the brake pads to replace them.
How can I be sure that it is time to replace my brake pads?
Some people usually say that brake pads should be replaced after 50,000-60,000 km, while others say that the replacement mileage of brake pads is 100,000 km, but these statements are not strict.
We just need to think about it with our brains to understand that there is no correct replacement cycle for brake pads, it is all based on the driver’s habits.
So, when to replace the brake pads? Here is a list of several methods for you to test for yourself.
Determine the thickness of the brake pads
1, Look at the thickness to determine whether the brake pads should be replaced
Most brake pads for disc brakes can be seen with the naked eye. The thickness of brake pads gradually becomes thinner after long-term use as the friction continues during braking.
The thickness of a new brake pad is generally about 37. 5 p x. If the thickness of the brake pad is only about 1/3 of the original thickness (about 12.5 p x) with the naked eye, you need to observe the change in thickness frequently.
If about 7.5 p x is left, it needs to be replaced (clear the technician to measure the thickness of the new brake pad with calipers when replacing).
The general brake pad life is generally about 40,000~60,000 km.
Harsh vehicle environment and over aggressive driving style will also shorten the life span as early as possible.
Of course, the design of each model in the wheel and brake caliper can not be seen with the naked eye brake pads (drum brakes in the construction can not see the brake pads), so each time the maintenance, you can let the maintenance personnel remove the wheel to check the brake pads.
Judging the thickness of brake pads
Brake pads have raised marks on both ends of the pad, about 2~3 mm thick, which is the thinnest replacement limit for brake pads.
If the thickness of the brake pads is found to be parallel to this mark, the pads must be replaced immediately.
If the brake pads are not replaced immediately, the brake discs will be severely worn if the thickness of the brake pads is lower than this indication.
(This method requires observation during tire removal, otherwise it is difficult to observe with the naked eye. We can have the operator inspect the tire after removing it during maintenance. )
2. Listen to the sound to determine whether the brake pads should be replaced
For drum brakes and individual disc brakes where the brake pads are not visible to the naked eye, you can also use sound to determine the wear of the brake pads.
If you hear a sharp and harsh “bared” sound when you apply the brakes, it means that the thickness of the brake pads has been worn lower than the limit mark on both sides, which is causing the mark on both sides to rub directly onto the brake disc.
So the brake pads must be replaced immediately, and the brake discs must also be checked carefully.
This is because the brake discs have been damaged.
(It is important to note that once the brake pedal is depressed and a “bare” sound is heard, it is almost possible to tell that the brake pads are thinning and therefore need to be replaced immediately. If the abnormal sound is made only after the brake pedal is depressed, it may be due to problems with the work and installation of the brake pads and discs. (Need a separate overhaul.)
When braking, the brake discs and pads will gradually become thinner due to constant friction with the brake pads and discs.
The life span of the front and rear brake discs also varies depending on the drive form of the vehicle.
Take the previous car as an example, the use cycle of the front disc is about 60 to 80 thousand kilometers, and the rear disc is about 100 thousand kilometers.
Of course this is closely related to our driving habits and driving style.
3, the strength of stepping on the brakes.
If you feel very hard when you step on the brakes, then it may be that the brakes have lost their friction and must be replaced at this time. Otherwise, it may cause a major accident.
4、Braking distance analysis
Generally speaking every 100 KM per hour of time its braking distance is about 40 meters, from 38 meters to 42 meters can be between, the worse the braking! Proof that the farther the braking distance, the worse the braking effect of the brake pads.
5, Stepping on the brakes to run off and other situations
If the brake pads are judged to be inconsistently worn, it is necessary to replace them.
