The braking system has an important function to regulate and slow down the speed of the vehicle. One of the important components in the braking system is the brake lining. With use, brake linings will wear out and become thin. To easily check the condition of the brake linings, here is how to check the thickness of the brake linings on a car.
How to Check Brake Pad Thickness
There are various ways you can check brake lining components. Here's how.
1. Cooling the Brakes
Before checking the condition of the brake pads, make sure the brakes are cold. When driving for a short time, the brake temperature will become hot. Let the brakes cool for about 1 hour.
2. Pay attention to the wheels
To check the brake pads, car owners can look at the wheels. If dust builds up on the brakes, it is certain that the brake pads are still in good condition. If the car wheels are clean, the brake linings need to be replaced.
3. Removing the Brake Pads
To make the inspection more effective, the car owner can remove the wheel to see the brake pads. The first way is to remove the car wheels first.
After removing the wheel, remove one bolt to remove the lining from the brake system. In this section there are two caliper fasteners. Remove only the bottom bolt, then lift the bottom of the caliper. Car owners can immediately take the lining from the brake disc.
4. Conduct a Visual Inspection
Car owners can also check the thickness of the brake pads without removing the wheels. If the brake pads look thin and are less than 0.6 cm, then the brake pads must be replaced.
Inspections can also be carried out using several indicators. The first indicator is to look at the center line of the brake lining. If the brake pads are still thick, the center line is clearly visible. A center line that is almost gone is a sign that the brake linings need to be replaced.
The next indicator is to look at the brake wear indicator. This component has a plate-like shape that leads to the brake disc. If the lining is thin, the brake wear indicator will rub against the brake disc. This causes a squeaking sound.
Signs that car brake linings need to be replaced
Worn and thin brake pads can give signs. Therefore, the following are the characteristics of brake linings that need to be replaced.
1. Reduced Brake Fluid
Thinning brake linings can reduce brake fluid. One of the signs of reduced brake fluid can be seen on the hood of the car. If the brake fluid runs out but no leaks are found, then the brake pads are running low.
This happens because thinning brake linings force the piston to move and be pushed out. This condition increases the hydraulic space in the caliper, so that brake fluid decreases.
2. You hear a squeaking or metal rubbing sound
A squeaking or metallic scraping sound when pressing the brake pedal is an indication of thinning brake linings. This sound is caused by the sound of metal rubbing against the brake disc which is no longer covered with brake lining. If this happens, immediately replace the brake pads.
3. The brake pad is getting deeper
When you step on the brake pedal and the step deepens, but the brakes are not working optimally, there is a problem with the brake pads. When the brake lining is thick, the piston only moves a little. If the brake lining is thin, the piston must move further so that the brake can be pressed. Immediately replace the brake pads if this happens.
4. Brake Pedal Vibrates at High Speed
When the brake lining wears out, the brake pedal will vibrate. This happens because the brake lining surface is uneven. The brake disc is not able to grip perfectly and causes vibrations. When the condition of the brake pads is very bad, vibrations can reach the steering wheel of the car.
Before writing a comment, you must read the terms below:
1. It is not allowed to put active links,
2. There must be no elements of rioting or pornography.
3. If you create spam, your comment will be deleted, and
4. Please ask questions and share your thoughts in good and constructive sentences.