How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced on Trucks?
2 Answers
Truck brake pads should typically be replaced every 10,000 kilometers. Regular checks are essential to detect any uneven braking and to monitor the condition of both the brake pads and discs. During routine inspections, assess the wear level of the brake pads on small trucks. If they reach the critical point, immediate replacement is necessary. Below are methods to determine if brake pads need replacement: 1. Check thickness: A new set of brake pads is usually about 1.5cm thick. When the visible thickness reduces to less than 0.5cm, prepare for replacement. Each brake pad has raised indicators on both sides, approximately 2-3mm thick, representing the minimum replacement threshold. If the pad thickness aligns with these indicators, replacement is mandatory. 2. Listen for sounds: If a metallic scraping noise occurs during light braking, the brake pads must be replaced immediately. This indicates the pad's limit markers are grinding against the brake disc, confirming excessive wear.
Last time during maintenance, I chatted with the experienced mechanic at the repair shop about truck brake pads. They all said not to rigidly follow the mileage, as load capacity and road conditions have a huge impact. For example, I often drive in the mountainous areas of Yunnan and Guizhou, with many heavy-load downhill sections, so I need to check the brake pad thickness every six months. The most practical method is to regularly pick out tire stones and take a quick look at the same time. If the wear reaches the limit where the metal indicator is shiny or you hear squeaking metal friction sounds, don’t hesitate—replace them immediately. Remember not to check just one wheel during inspection, as the inner pads often wear faster than the outer ones. For tractor heads, you also need to distinguish the wear difference between the drive axle and the steering axle—this is something you can’t afford to be careless about.
