FAQ - Brakes

Many questions come up regularly regarding brakes and related issues. I have listed some information below as it may be relevant to you and also fellow members.

Excessive Temperature & Rapid WearFault;

Friction material overheating and disc surface thermal cracks (blueing)

Causes;

Sticking brake calipers (sliders/piston seals), Axle/Wheel imbalance, Excessive prolonged braking (drag)

Friction Material FracturesFault;

Friction material cracks/fractures

Causes;

Pad restriction within caliper housing (flexing of pad/backplate(s)), impact damage during installation

New Pads Fitted On Worn DiscsFault;Rapid wear, noise and judder

Causes;

Excessively worn/grooved brake disc surface

Brake Disc Contamination

Fault;

Low brake efficiency

Causes;

Contaminated disc surfaces, (oils, solvents, cleaners)

Uneven Pad Wear

Faults;

Uneven pad wear

Causes;

Poor alignment of brake caliper, poor alignment of brake disc/hub

Fault;

Uneven pad wear between 'inboard and outboard' pads

Causes;

Sticking brake caliper (insufficient lubrictaion of caliper sliders), worn/damaged piston seals

Brake Noise & Judder

Faults;

Brake noise and judder

Causes;

Dirty wheel hub

Brake Noise

Faults;

Brake noise

Causes;

Pads are tight in caliper (see scratch mark evidence on pad backplate edges). Uneven pad/disc contact, worn/grooved brake discs, excessively corroded brake discs.

Recommended Maximum Disc Run-Out

Good Practice;

Always remember to check disc run-out before fitting new brake pads. (Maximum disc run-out on vehicle 01.5mm)

Problems;

Excessive run-out will cause noise, judder, uneven pad wear and poor brake efficiency.

Brake Disc Damage

Faults;

Thermal Cracks (Blueing)

Causes;

Rapid pad wear, brake judder, vehicle vibration and brake noise.

Brake Disc Failure

Faults;

Top Hat detachment

Causes;

Overtightening of wheel nuts (careful use of air pressure guns is required)

Friction Material Detachements

Faults;

Friction material detachment

Causes;

Impact damage during pad removal/installation and/or excessive corrosion.