Are there sport versions of brake pads?
Yes, but they should not be used in commercial vehicles. These pads have completely different properties, primarily due to the extremely high disc temperatures generated by the frictional force. Such pads are manufactured specifically for this type of competition, they are softer and adapted precisely to high temperatures, so they wear out very quickly.
Does having ABS condition the purchase of other brake pads/shoes?
Very often ABS brake systems have different disc brake callipers and it is necessary to purchase brakes that are suitable for the car model.
How long should new brake pads be “bed-in”?
Standard brake pads should be bed-in for at least 300 km, not braking sharply but rather progressively and softly. In pads where scorching (heat treatment of the friction material) is used, bed-in is not necessary as this process eliminates the fading phase, i.e. the loss of effectiveness when the brakes are hot.
How to brake to extend the service life of brake blocks and shoes?
There is no general rule for that. Brakes are the guardians of our safety and we should not be stingy when it comes to them. In the mountain cycle, engine braking can sometimes be used, which will result in less pad wear.
I am a fan of motor racing. Are there pads that are designed for racing cars, and can they be fitted to passenger cars?
There are pads designed specifically for racing cars. We recommend this type of material only for this type of car. The coefficient of friction depends on the temperature. Racing pads work well at temperatures above 300°C, which is unattainable in normal city driving. Therefore, we do not recommend these pads for everyday use.
I have noticed that the car pulls slightly to the right side when braking. Is this the fault of the braking system or another system in the car?
The description shows that the problem may be with the braking system. However, for the correct diagnosis, we suggest you take your car to a garage.
I have tried many different pads available on the market in my car. All of them produce a squeaky sound. What is the reason for this?
Squeaking pads can be caused by poor fitting in relation to the disc, resulting in the pad vibrating and making a strange sound. Squeaks can also result from poor selection of pad accessories. This problem can be solved as follows:
– make sure the accessories are suitable for the application,
– do not brake sharply for the first 300 km, but rather progressively and smoothly.
The squeaking is often related to the type of vehicle in which the vibration frequency of the brake system is not aligned to that of the brake pads. This results in all sorts of noises coming from the braking system.
I live in a mountainous area. Every day on my way to work I pass several hilly stretches. I recently changed my pads to new ones. Initially, I noticed a loss of effectiveness. Why is this happening? Have the pads been incorrectly fitted?
The reason is not that the pads have been fitted incorrectly. Sometimes problems called fading arise. Fading causes a loss of effectiveness when the brakes are hot. This is a problem with the friction material, the quality of which is not very good. To avoid this problem, do not overuse the brakes. It is better to use low gears when going down steep descents, using engine braking rather than brakes. Unnecessary use of pads can cause overheating and damage to the brake discs. Another way is to put the pads on after scorching (heat treatment), which will eliminate the fading effect.
Is it necessary to replace the brake pads/brake shoes on both wheels of one axle at the same time?
Yes, it is absolutely mandatory. When replacing one side, where the thickness and braking performance can vary, the steering wheel and brake pedal can vibrate and, worse, the driver can lose control of the vehicle while braking.
What are the main considerations when replacing brake pads/shoes: thickness, kilometres covered or time since last replacement?
When replacing brake pads and shoes, the thickness of the friction material should be the primary consideration. Standard aftermarket brake pads should wear out after 35,000 km. However, this depends on the driving style and cycle.
When reducing speed and braking, the steering wheel and brake pedal start to vibrate and sometimes you even hear an unpleasant sound. Is this a problem with the brake system?
From the description, it appears that this is a problem known as a judder. The judder results from irregularities in the design of the friction material. This causes changes in the disc material, while increasing the coefficient of friction in the central part of the disc. When various braking-related processes, such as pressure, speed or temperature, coincide, the contact between the pad and the disc results vibrations. The best option is to replace the pads and discs.
When replacing front brake pads, should the rear brake pads also be replaced?
The braking force on the vehicle is distributed in a ratio of 70% front axle and 30% rear axle. Each time the front axle brake pads are replaced, the condition of the rear axle brake should be checked. It is assumed that the rear axle brakes should be replaced every second time the front axle brakes are replaced.
When should the brake pads be replaced with new ones?
The brake pads should be replaced with new ones if the friction material thickness is reduced to 2 mm or if the brake pads on the same axle are worn unevenly. In addition, they should be replaced when the pad wear indicator light comes on.