When it's time to change the front brake pads

Disk and drum brakes have different designs, but very similar functions. On any brake in the car you will see the front brake pads. Hence it follows that the braking system can be shoe-disc or drum-and-drum. We will disassemble, than they are similar, and than differ from each other.

Disc type brake system

Cooling . The pad and the disk in this system are open, they are cooled by air, that is, when they are being driven, the counterflow of air blows them. In an emergency situation, when braking is carried out at high speed, the disk is heated very strongly, the temperature can reach 600 ° C! For better heat dissipation, it has ventilation holes and grooves for forced air circulation.

Principle of operation . The rotating disc is clamped by two pads, and the wheel brakes, stops the rotational action. The merits of such a design include the ability of the brake to be cleaned quickly, the disadvantages: the front brake pads wear out quickly, wear out.

Causes of failure . If the brakes often undergo heavy loads, a small layer of coke is formed on the pads, formed by burned friction material. This can reduce the efficiency of braking on the road. Grooves and splines on ventilated discs remove some carbon deposits, cleaning the surface.

Reaction to water . A sharp temperature drop destroys the disc, leading to its cracking. Damaged brakes must be replaced, they can not be operated. Holes, unfortunately, shorten the life of the disk, this is, in fact, a weak point in the design.

Drum type of brake system

Cooling . The pad and disc are hidden under the drum. Cooling of this design is slower than that of the disk, because the trumpet does not receive an air stream. To remove the emerging heat on the drum, you can see special ribs.

Principle of operation . The front brake pads expand under the influence of the pistons of the brake cylinder, and they, clinging to the inner surface of the drum, "wedge" the wheel.

Causes of failure . Same as the disc brakes.

Reaction to water . If you get into the water, nothing terrible will happen, it will be necessary to just press the pedal several times.

Symptoms of brake pad failure and solutions

Defective front brake pads may start to whistle during braking. If you hear it while driving, it's a signal that it's time to replace this part. Also a sign of a malfunction is an easy vibration of the rudder when the driver throws off the rpm. It's easy and feel, and see visually. If you do not know how to change the pads in the home, contact the auto service center. But not only this detail of the car's design deteriorates. In the workshop, you can also offer such a service as the grooving of brake discs, if in your car the corresponding braking system. This procedure will return the damaged wheel details to the previous geometric evenness. The car will become more stable with maneuvers and turns, and its handling will improve.

Be careful, watch the braking system of your vehicle.