Ok someone correct me if I am wrong. I assume that this is the way brakes are made up....you have the pads, which are cheap....and 'underneath" them you have the rotors, calipers, etc. Why not just frequently replace your brake PADS, that way they would never grind down far enough to where you would have to replace the more expensive componants of your brakes. As in, replace your pads every 6 months.......before they grind away and into the major components of your brakes. This would save everyone a lot of money correct?
2006-09-09 12:36:53 · 13 answers · asked by tj F 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Not a bad theory, but you overlooked a couple of things. It takes two surfaces to create friction, and in a braking system, it takes something to bring those two surfaces together.
Friction creates heat, which can have an adverse effect on braking surfaces. Pads are made of a "softer" material than rotors, and tend to wear out faster, but rotors also have material taken away with each braking. Also,the heat generated by braking can warp rotors, not unlike a CD left in the sun.
The piston in a brake caliper has to push and pull the pads toward and away from the contact surface of the rotor. As with anything that moves, wear and tear is inevitable.
If you "only" replace the pads when they are worn, or every 6 months, you are not looking at the whole picture.
As far as "underneath" is concerned, all braking systems are just that: systems. Without all braking components working together, and within specs(BTW this includes tires, which actually stop the vehicle), your vehicle is potentially dangerous to you and everyone else on the road.
Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician and ask questions.
2006-09-09 17:34:50 · answer #1 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No brake pads are made with a metal composion in them ie.. semi metalic brake pads.. Metal to metal will wear down the rotors even if you replace them every 6mths. Also there is a lot of heat that is generated when you apply your brakes which is why rotors warp and calipers frezze up.. And even if you did replace your pads every 6 mths, you will still need to have the rotors trued up or the new pads you just installed probally won't last 6 months..
2006-09-09 12:47:09 · answer #2 · answered by ftyatb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the shape of the pads can be changed by simple road anomolies like dirt and gravel. Your rotors will adjust to this shape eventually, but the best thing is to replace your pads when needed and have your rotors turned at the same time. This will ensure the best use of your brakes, which is vital to the safe operation of your vehicle. Replacing your pads every 6 months is a bit excessive, brakes can last a few years if you don't abuse your vehicle.
2006-09-09 12:44:13 · answer #3 · answered by roman_ninja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep thats right too and thats what most people try and do.Some cars have wear indicators,some rub on the rotor and make a loud noise others use the brake fluid level,as the pads wear more brake fluid is in the cyls.because some drivers hardly use the brakes and others are on them all the time it would be hard to put a time period on pads.some people wear em out in few weeks.
2006-09-09 13:34:51 · answer #4 · answered by frank m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not that simple automobiles shake and vibrate all the time and thats what contributes to wear on parts and later break downs like the piston seals leak on the calipers from age and becoming warped or the cylinders leak or a line rusts out and bursts causing a severe danger so pads replaced all the time doesnt stop the wear and tear on the other brake parts rust can stop the parts from working also an olde dude
2006-09-09 12:48:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
every 6 mos is a lot to extream unless you do a really lot of city driving driving . pads come w/ sensors on them . brake pads when thet start to wear down too far will start to squell then repace them asap . the people that let it go ion too long are the one who have to buy calipers and rotors (if you went to an honest shop)
2006-09-09 12:47:24 · answer #6 · answered by k dog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you're suggesting is the basic concept. I check mine frequently and listen for the noise caused by the wear indicators. Many pads have them, they cause a squealing noise when the pads get thin. As you said, the point is to replace them before they end up in a metal to metal contact.
2006-09-09 12:45:41 · answer #7 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Duh! But most people don't pay attention to that kind of maintance for their car. If you change them as soon as you notice their is a problem you won't have a problem either, you usually have to keep using worn brakes for a bit before it will do bad enough damage that you will have to replace the rotor.
2006-09-09 12:44:50 · answer #8 · answered by whitebeanner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every 6 months??? how many times a day do you stop,or do you drive with one foot on the brake pedal.... anyhow your suggestion is a valid one, but remember to use a micrometer on you rotors because they can wear below the minimum safe limits eventually
2006-09-09 12:42:41 · answer #9 · answered by zak_z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no ur brake pads and shoes will last longer than 6 months on normal driving
2006-09-09 19:03:08 · answer #10 · answered by ed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋