Do brake discs and pads have slight friction?
3 Answers
Brake discs and pads have slight friction. Here is an introduction about brake discs: 1. Introduction: A brake disc, simply put, is a round disc. The brake caliper clamps the brake disc to generate braking force. When you press the brake, the brake disc is clamped to slow down or stop the vehicle. Brake discs provide excellent braking performance and are easier to maintain compared to drum brakes. 2. Structure: Disc brake rotors are divided into solid discs (single-piece discs) and ventilated discs (double-piece discs). Solid discs are straightforward—they are solid. Ventilated discs, as the name suggests, have ventilation properties. Externally, ventilated discs have many holes around the circumference leading toward the center, known as ventilation channels.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've learned that brake discs and pads shouldn't have any friction during normal driving. I remember being curious about this when I first bought my car. During maintenance, the mechanic explained there's a tiny gap between them - they only make instantaneous contact when braking to create friction for deceleration. If you hear slight grinding noises or feel extra resistance when rolling, it's likely due to worn brake pads or failure to retract properly, possibly caused by rust or grease contamination. In such cases, immediate inspection is crucial as it affects fuel efficiency and accelerates wear. Last time I encountered this, replacing the brake pads instantly restored normal operation - cost-effective and reassuring. Paying attention to this detail during routine maintenance can prevent major issues.
I enjoy tinkering with car mechanics, and the braking system is a fascinating topic. Under normal circumstances, brake discs and pads are designed to maintain a tiny gap when not braking, ensuring no friction occurs, relying solely on precise spacing to protect the components. Any slight contact, such as squeaking sounds or difficulty in wheel rotation, might indicate deformed brake pads or a caliper not releasing properly. This can increase system heat and fuel consumption, and over time, damage the brake discs. During inspection, first check the thickness of the brake pads—replace them if too thin, and clean and lubricate the components if too thick. Maintaining good upkeep habits can extend service life and ensure safe driving.
