Top Picks For Brake Pad Related Parts

Brakes are the most important component of the vehicle when it comes to maintenance. The braking system of a vehicle comprises very crucial components like brake pads, brake rotors, calipers, brake caliper bolts, and pins. Brake pads used in disc brake systems are made from a thick layer of steel with friction linings on the contact side. The brake pads press against the rotating disc, also known as the brake rotor, to stop the rotating wheel. This results in heat and a lot of friction, which eats up the brake pads. The friction lining on the brake pads becomes thinner and thinner with usage and has to be replaced, eventually. Therefore, to ensure a safe and reliable braking system, the brake pads have to be replaced periodically along with other components.

Front brake rotors are circular discs connected to the front wheels and are a key component of your vehicle's braking system. These large metal discs work with brake pads to stop your vehicle safely every time you press the brake pedal. The rotor rotates with the wheel and when you press the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze against them to stop your vehicle. Brake rotors have a smooth and even surface, but the repeated contact with the brake pads results in diminished braking performance.

Brake pads absorb a lot of heat and energy caused by friction during braking. This causes them to wear out and inflict damage on the brake rotors as well. Driving around on worn brake pads can lead to increased metal-to-metal contact, which can cause deep grooves on your brake rotor. Worn-out brake pads can also lead to warped, grounded, and even cracked rotors. Therefore, it becomes necessary to monitor symptoms like brake noises, increased stopping distance, reduced brake pressure, vibrating brake pedal, etc to ensure the condition of your brake rotors. Rotors are durable parts but they need to be replaced periodically because driving on damaged rotors can be very dangerous. While replacing your brake rotors, keep in mind that you are selecting the correct rotor for your vehicle. Not all brake rotors are the same and are designed for different purposes. They are offered in different types, including smooth rotors, drilled rotors, slotted rotors, and drilled & slotted rotors.

Rear brake rotors are similar to front brake rotors but are generally smaller in size. Although front brakes are responsible for most of the braking, rear brakes also contribute to the overall stopping power. The brake bias depends upon the overall vehicle design and usually, the rear brakes do not generate much heat compared to the front brakes. The rear brake rotors are designed with smaller diameters and comparatively less stopping force. Consequently, due to reduced wear and little maintenance of your rear brake rotors, you tend to overlook them. Therefore, it is necessary to check the condition of your rear brake rotors while replacing your brake pads to ensure the proper functioning of the braking system and to ensure overall safety. 

The brake caliper is a part of the disc brake system and houses the brake pads and pistons that help in slowing down the vehicle by creating friction with the brake rotors. The brake calipers play a central role in a disc brake system by acting as a bracket to support the brake pads on either side of the rotor and use pistons to exert force on the brake pads against the rotor. The calipers comprise single or dual pistons, depending on the braking force required. As you step on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes the brake fluid, which forces the pistons in the calipers to push the brake pads against the rotor. 

Driving on worn-out brake pads and rotors can cause damage to your brake calipers. Warped rotors and worn-out brake pads prevent the heat from dissipating and cannot insulate the calipers from excessive heat. This results in heat transfer to the brake fluid, which causes it to degrade and can also result in a brake failure. The dust, rust, and contaminants can also make the piston inside the brake calipers corrode or stuck in a position. Brake calipers perform a tough and grueling task and with hard braking and lack of regularly scheduled maintenance, they can wear out. If you are witnessing any symptoms like fluid leaks, spongy or soft brake pedal, uneven brake pad wear, abnormal noise, or a dragging sensation while driving, your brake caliper might be bad. Do not gamble with your brakes and replace your brake caliper right away. 

Brake maintenance also includes checking your guide pins and caliper bolts. The brake caliper has round metal pins near the brake piston assembly. They are called guide pins because they decide the proper angle at which the brake pads meet the rotor. Brake caliper guide pins keep the brake pads aligned while braking and a damaged pin or improper lubrication can lead to caliper binding. This can lead to premature failure and uneven brake wear. Caliper bolts, on the other hand, hold your brake calipers onto your vehicle. These brake caliper bolts and pins can corrode, get stuck, or wear out. If you are experiencing grinding noises or brakes are sticking or grabbing, then your guide pins might be faulty. Caliper bolts can also fail if they are over-tightened or corroded. They also get stuck because they may have been over-tightened in the first place or are too old and never got replaced. Therefore, replacing your old caliper bolts and pins is a good idea while replacing caliper or brake pads. It makes the brake job complete and ensures a properly functioning braking system.