When a block is (too quickly) erased...

The natural wear of the friction linings of the brake pads is a consequence of the operation of the brake system - this dependence does not need to be specially explained to those who own cars and tracks. However, the situation is different when the lining wears out too quickly. In such a situation, it is urgent to look for the reasons for this state of affairs. The latter may be the result of incorrect use of pads, a faulty brake system or, finally, installation errors.

Beware of overheating!

Too high temperatures can damage the brake pads. When braking, both the brake discs and the brake discs heat up. Overheating of the brake pads usually occurs when the driver depresses the brake pedal too long instead of using the engine to brake: this is the case, for example, when going down steep hills for a long time. Remember that brake pads designed for ordinary cars moving on public roads can only work at extreme temperatures for no more than 10-15 minutes. After this time, they must only be replaced, since irreversible changes occur in the structure of the friction material, making it impossible to provide adequate braking force.

"Harmful" ESP ...

Few motorists are aware that accelerated brake pad wear can also be the result of too aggressive driving. How is this possible? In this case, we are talking about the ESP system, which often works and tries to stabilize the trajectory of the car. These interventions consist of braking one of the vehicle's wheels in order to make the appropriate correction. Too frequent inclusion of ESP (signaled to the driver on the dashboard) causes the need for braking, which means accelerated wear of the brake pads.

… worn screens and cables

Frequently worn discs also cause improper brake pad wear. Their cracks or annular grooves adversely affect the durability of the friction linings of the pads. Moreover, in extreme cases the bearing plate on the pad is also irreversibly damaged (deformed) and consequently the friction material gradually crumbles. Another cause of excessive pad wear is the delamination of internally flexible brake hoses. This failure is very detrimental to the entire brake system because the wrong lines block fluid flow, thereby preventing the piston from retracting properly after a braking maneuver (resulting in the brake pad constantly "scraping" the surface). brake disc). A cable failure can be detected by depressing the brake pedal several times and then unscrewing the valve on the terminal - in the event of a constant internal cable separation, you will notice a leak by pumping brake fluid at high pressure.

Important Accuracy

Brake pads should always be replaced in pairs - this is a basic rule that must be strictly adhered to. However, before removing worn parts, the mechanic should carefully inspect them. The bottom line is to find out whether the reason for the wear of the blocks is related to their natural wear, or whether it was caused, for example, by their overheating. The latter is relatively easy to diagnose by changing the color of the pad carrier plate, as well as peeling off the friction material. Before installing a new set, pay attention to thorough cleaning of the fork: after installing the pad, the latter must move freely in it, otherwise the friction lining of the pad will constantly touch the surface of the brake disc, which in turn will lead to its overheating and a gradual decrease in braking force. Proper fit of the shoe in the rocker arm is very important for another reason. Some rear brake calipers have special cutouts in the pistons to match the lugs in the pads. Improper fit results in improper pad pressure and consequently uneven wear on the friction lining.