Brake pads are the most often replaced part of the brake system. This is because they are the part that makes contact with the rotor, and the resulting friction slows your vehicle down and allows you to stop. The pads also often include shims and abutment clips to prevent brake noise and ensure consistent, smooth, and even braking. Brake pads come in several friction material formulations and quality levels, and the life of the brakes depend on the makeup and design of the brake pads.

When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

When you should change your brake pads depends on your vehicle, how you drive, and the quality of the current brake pads being used. Regardless of how long it has been since you changed your brake pads, they should be inspected and serviced when you notice symptoms of failure. A visual inspection can confirm if the brake pad’s friction material is worn down, and severely worn brake pads may even contact the rotor and cause further damage. For more information about when you should replace your brake pads, check out this informational guide. When to Change Your Brake Pads

Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads

Some common symptoms of worn out brake pads include:

• Squealing, grinding, or squeaking noises when braking
• The vehicle pulling to one side during braking
• Brake pedal vibrations or pulsations when depressed
• The brake pedal needs to be pushed down further than normal to engage the brakes
• The brake light on the dash comes on, indicating that the brake pads are worn too thin for safe operation

What is the Difference Between Front and Rear Brake Pads?

Front and rear brake pads may appear similar, but they are very different. On most vehicles, the front brakes apply the most pressure during braking. This requires the front pads to be larger than the rear pads, but even with their larger size, the front pads normally wear out quicker than the rear. Front pads are also often designed to be denser and are made with materials to better withstand the heat generated from friction.

The brake calipers and rotors should not be ignored when servicing the brake system. The calipers use hydraulic pressure from the brake fluid to squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. Rotors are installed on the wheel hub and rotate as the wheel spins while providing a contact surface for the brake pads. As with any moving part, the rotors or calipers can wear out over time and need to be replaced. Brake fluid may also become dirty or absorb water and require flushing throughout the life of your vehicle.

How Often Do Brake Rotors Need to be Replaced?

Most brake rotors can last up to 70,000 miles, but issues can arise which require them to be replaced before that time. Your rotors will need to be replaced if you notice vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel while braking, grooves or cracks in the rotor, uneven brake pad wear, or when they reach the minimum thickness limit and cannot be resurfaced. Even if the rotors appear to be in good shape during your brake pad replacement, they should always be resurfaced to ensure they are smooth and thick enough for safe operation. This is also a great opportunity to inspect your brake calipers, inspect and lubricate your guide pins, and more to ensure proper braking performance. Routine Automotive Maintenance Overview

When Should I Replace My Brake Calipers?

Manufacturers recommend that brake calipers should be replaced every 70,000 – 90,000 miles, but it is most common to replace calipers when issues arise. Replacing a caliper if it is leaking brake fluid or if the piston seizes is important to continue braking safely, and these failures should be addressed as soon as a problem is detected.

Brake Fluid Basics

Brake fluid transfers the hydraulic pressure from the brake master cylinder to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders. This causes the calipers to squeeze the brake pads into the rotors or the wheel cylinders to push the shoes into the brake drums. There is no standard maintenance schedule for changing brake fluid. However, there are test strips that can show the quality of the fluid in your vehicle and can help you determine if your fluid needs to be replaced. You can also regularly check its clarity, consistency, and overall condition to see if it needs to be refilled or replaced. To change the brake fluid, you will need a way to pull as much of the old fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir. Once that is completed, you can refill the reservoir and begin bleeding the brakes until the new fluid has reached each caliper or wheel cylinder. You may need to refill the reservoir during and after the bleeding process to prevent air from entering the brake lines.