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Brake caliper repair kit
Handbrake
Brake disc back plate
Brake master cylinder
Brake hose
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Replace a Spare part Brake pads – a defective one or if the limit of use has been already reached. Find out useful information about Brake pads
Malfunctions of brake linings
excessive wear of the material;
uneven wear;
scratches, chips or peeling of lining;
cracks or mechanical damage to the brake lining;
deformation of the brake lining.
Symptoms of brake linings failure
a significant increase in braking distance;
whistling sound during braking;
change of the vehicle path during hard braking;
vibration or the wheels wobble during braking;
material lining projection out of the shoe.
Causes of brake linings malfunctions
failure to comply with the part operation terms and rules;
sporty driving style;
getting lubricant or dirt on the brake lining;
use of low quality consumables;
looseness of brake pads;
installation of the wrong type brake linings.
Diagnostics
One of the main signs of brake linings malfunction is a loud whistle when braking. Modern brake pads have a special surface that contributes to a loud noise when braking, if the pads have worn out. In this case, you should replace the linings or the pads themselves as soon as possible.
The limit for operating the brake linings is 15 000-20 000 kilometers. Its excess can have a negative impact on the quality of braking and traffic safety.
Repair and replacement of brake linings
Repair of the brake linings is not carried out. Damaged components must be only replaced. Connection of the brake shoe and lining depends on the pads type. Replacement of the brake linings should be carried out only at a service station, because the braking safety depends on the correct installation of brake linings.
Brake pads replacement - instructions, descriptions and repair
What is the lifespan of brake pads? Should they be replaced as a set and how many of them does a set contain?
The lifespan depends on the following factors:
Production technology and materials. Ceramic parts usually serve longer than the organic ones.
Vehicle weight. The parts installed on compact cars retain their operability significantly longer than those on heavy SUVs.
Driver’s skills and style. Lack of engine braking skill and frequent use of the brake pedal cause premature wear of the parts. In particular, sporty driving style can reduce their lifespan by up to 50%.
Condition of the brake discs. Uneven wear, grooves, and corrosion spots on their surface have a negative effect on the service life of the pads.
Mounting side. Components on the front axle are capable of functioning properly for 25,000–40,000 kilometres, of the rear axle up to 60,000 kilometres.
According to international standards, the components on an axle should be replaced together, and be not only of the same brand but of the same batch. This means that you should purchase them as a set. As a rule, it contains 4 parts – 2 for each wheel of an axle.
How do I tell if my brake pads need to be changed?
The need for replacement is indicated by mechanical or electronic wear indicators. Triggering of the first type comes with a squealing noise, the second with a dashboard warning light going on. Moreover, you should check the condition of the components when one of the following occurs:
impaired braking efficiency;
brake fluid level dropped;
steering wheel wobbles at low speed;
dust and metal shavings appear on the mechanism’s elements.
The most accurate indicator of the wear degree is the thickness of the friction lining. It can be measured using a vernier caliper and compared to the value specified in the technical documentation provided by the car manufacturer.
How do I replace brake pads myself?
The replacement procedure is rather simple and doesn’t require professional training or specialised tools. Read the car service manual carefully and watch video tutorials from experienced car mechanics. In most cases the procedure consists of the following steps:
Open the bonnet and unscrew the brake fluid tank cap.
Lift the car.
Remove the wheel.
Unscrew the fasteners of the brake caliper.
Pull the pads away from the disc.
Remove the brake caliper.
Replace the parts in pairs.
Press in the brake caliper piston.
Re-assemble in the reverse order.
Bleed the system by pressing the brake pedal a few times.
What causes the brake pads to produce harsh sounds?
Recently installed parts can produce slight noise, if abrasion of their factory coating hasn’t ended yet. Moreover, squealing and rattling sounds can be caused by:
incorrect installation;
poor quality of the friction compound;
incompatibility of the disc and pad materials;
water, mud, sand, or stones getting on the discs;
overheating of the brakes;
lack of lubricant on the brake caliper guide pins.
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