How to control your car's brakes?
Content
Design and types of brake discs
The disc looks like a metal circle / disc with lugs, these lugs allow you to precisely fit the disc to the hub. The diameter of the disc depends on the vehicle manufacturer and must always fit the entire brake system. Since the discs operate in harsh environments, special alloys are used in their production to provide resistance to friction and high temperatures.
The following types of brake discs are available on the market:
- Monolithic shields. They are made from a single piece of metal. An old solution that is already being replaced. They can be more efficient than drum brakes, but they also overheat and lose their properties.
- Ventilated discs. They consist of two disks, between which there are special holes for heat dissipation, which reduces the risk of overheating of the disk. They are more efficient and more durable than standard brake discs, ideal for modern passenger cars.
- Discs are slotted and drilled. Slotted brake discs have grooves where the disc meets the pad, making them great for venting gas and clearing dirt from the pads. On the other hand, perforated brake discs have recesses that eliminate gases between the disc and pads. Used in sports cars.
Installing the shield on the car
Rims must be compatible with your vehicle, so read labels carefully. The TRW brake disc is compatible with many models of Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW vehicles. Pay attention to the number of holes (there are 112 holes in this disc), diameter and thickness. It is also important to consider the conditions in which this disc will be used, for example, if you like a variety of conditions, driving around the city and on the highway, then the TRW disc will suit you because it is ventilated, so there is little risk of overheating. If you rarely use your car and your car is older, monolithic brake discs will suffice. In short: check the technical parameters and evaluate your needs.
When to change brake discs?
Brake discs are said to last about 40 km, but this is influenced by many factors, including the driver's driving style, vehicle operating conditions, the condition of the brake pads and other elements of the brake system.
Symptoms of worn brake discs:
- The steering wheel is shaking
- Perceptible pulsation of the brake pedal,
- Vibration of some elements of the body and suspension,
- Decreased braking performance
- Pulls the car to the side
- Increase in stopping distance
- Unusual sounds from the wheel area.
Check the thickness of the brake discs and compare with the values indicated in the technical documentation; it cannot be too thin, because this will negatively affect braking performance, and too thick discs, in turn, impair suspension performance.
It is best to change the discs along with the pads. Or at least in a ratio of 2:1.
How to replace brake discs step by step
- Raise the car on a lift and secure it with a flyover.
- Remove the wheel.
- Remove the brake pads. To do this, turn the steering knuckle to gain access to the brake caliper and unscrew it. Set the brake pads aside and place the caliper on the steering knuckle so that it does not dangle from the brake hose.
- Use an expander to retract the piston so the new pads can fit in the caliper.
- Remove the yoke and unlock the shield. A hammer can come in handy here, but use it carefully.
- Remove the disc from the hub.
- Thoroughly clean the caliper, fork and hub from rust and pad dust. Apply ceramic grease and brake grease to them.
- Clean the protective oil off the new blade and install it.
- We collect everything back in reverse order.
- Apply copper or ceramic grease to the contact surface of the disc with the wheel rim, this will facilitate the subsequent disassembly of the wheel.
Remember that new brake discs need to “break in”, so be careful for the first few hundred kilometers.
