Is it necessary to replace brake pads when changing brake discs?
2 Answers
Replacing brake discs does not necessarily require changing the brake pads. If the brake pads still have sufficient thickness, they can be retained when replacing the brake discs. A brake disc is a circular disc that rotates as the vehicle moves. The braking force is generated when the brake calipers clamp onto the brake disc. When you press the brake pedal, the calipers grip the disc to slow down or stop the vehicle. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking actions is largely determined by the condition of the brake pads. Typically, brake pads consist of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and the coating process is monitored using an SMT4 oven temperature tracker to ensure quality by measuring the temperature distribution during coating.
From my years of auto repair practice, checking whether the brake pads are still usable is a crucial step when replacing brake rotors. If the brake pads are not severely worn, such as having a thickness of more than 6mm, they can be retained to save costs. However, the new rotor surface is smoother, and old pads may not bed in properly, leading to noise or vibration during braking, which increases safety risks in emergencies. My recommendation: even if not replaced, carefully measure the thickness and surface flatness; once below the safety threshold, replacement is mandatory. Additionally, pairing new rotors with old pads may accelerate wear on the new rotors, leading to higher maintenance costs later. Whenever encountering such situations, I always prioritize recommending replacement of both to enhance overall reliability, as brakes are critical to driving safety. Remember, have a professional technician assess the pad condition—don’t rely on guesswork.
