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How To Fix Your Brake?
Are you having trouble keeping your car from skidding? Are you having problems getting your brakes to work properly? If so, it’s time for you to fix your brake. Here are four steps on how to do it:
- Check the Shoes and Rotors: Make sure that the shoes that your brakes are attached to are in good condition and have no cracks or holes. Also, make sure that the rotor is in good condition, as this is where the friction between the brake pad and the rotor happens.
- Clean and Lube the Brake Discs: Clean the disc with a mild soap and water solution, then liberally apply a brake pad lubricant.
- Check for Leaks.
- Adjust Your Brakes if Necessary: If adjusting your brakes doesn’t solve the problem, then it might be time to replace them altogether.
What are brake pads and how do they work?
Brake pads are the friction material that attaches to your brake pedal and stops your car.
When you apply the brakes, the pads rub against the rotors on your car’s wheels. The friction created between the pads and the rotors slows down your car. If the pads become worn down or damaged, they no longer produce enough friction to stop the car.
To fix your brake pads, you’ll need to remove them from your car and replace them with new ones.
Types of brake pads
The type of brake pad you choose depends on your vehicle, driving style, and driving conditions.
Friction brake pads use the physical properties of friction to stop the car. Friction pads are made from a variety of materials, including metal, nylon, or rubber. The material used affects the pad’s performance characteristics, such as how long it lasts and how much noise it makes when braking.
Agglomeration brake pads use particles that have been combined together to form small lumps. This type of pad does not use friction to stop the car; instead, it uses the agglomerates to create a “grab” on the wheel surface. This grabs the wheel more securely than traditional friction pads and helps avoid skidding and sliding.
Ceramic brake pads are a newer type that use tiny ceramic balls to stop the car. These pads work in a similar way to agglomeration pads but they also have a special coating that helps them resist wear and tear. Ceramic brake pads are usually the most expensive type of brake pad.
How to fix a brake pad?
- Check the brake fluid level.
- Clean the caliper pistons and pads. Use a soft cloth and brake cleaner to clean all surfaces of the pistons and pads. Be sure to remove any dirt, oil, or grease that may have accumulated on the pistons and pads over time.
- Apply new brake pads to the caliper pistons. Make sure that the pads are in line with the grooves on the caliper pistons. Press down firmly on each pad until it clicks into place.
- Replace the caliper assembly and check for leaks. Torque the bolts that hold on the caliper assembly (usually around 75 ft-lb).
What are the symptoms of a bad brake pad?
When your brake pads need to be replaced, one of the first things you’ll notice is that your brakes will feel more spongy and less responsive. This is because the old pads have basically been worn down to the metal backing, which causes the brake pedal to feel mushy. If you’re experiencing this issue, it’s likely that your brake pads are already beginning to wear out.
- Your car will take longer to stop than usual
- You’ll hear a “grinding” or “clicking” sound when you apply the brakes
- Your steering will become wobbly
How can you tell if your brakes need to be replaced?
One way to check if your brakes need to be replaced is to pull them off of the car and see how much wear is on the pads and rotors. You can also try using a screwdriver to press down on the brake pedal while letting go of the handlebar so that you can feel how much resistance the brake offers. If the pedal feels spongy or soft, then your brakes may need to be replaced.
When should you replace your brake pads?
- If you have ever had to replace your brake pads, you know that it is a costly and time-consuming process.
- If your brake pads look visibly worn or if they make a “squealing” noise when you apply the brakes, it is time to replace them.
- If your brake pads start to make a “humming” noise or if they start to feel spongy or soft, it is also time to replace them.
- If your brake pads are making a “pinging” noise when you apply the brakes, then it is time to replace them.
Conclusion
Brake problems are no joke. They can lead to disastrous consequences, such as a car accident or a loss of control while driving. If you have any brake issues, it is important to take action and fix them as soon as possible.
Photo by Gustavo Fring