What are brake friction pads?
3 Answers
Brake friction pads, also known as brake pads, are essentially the brake linings in a vehicle's braking system. They serve as crucial safety components, playing a pivotal role in the system. The quality of brake friction pads directly determines braking performance and is closely related to vehicle safety, making their daily maintenance particularly important. Below are specific details about brake friction pads: 1. During vehicle operation, frequent braking causes the friction blocks to gradually wear down due to friction, leading to deteriorating braking performance. If not replaced promptly, this can ultimately result in complete loss of braking effectiveness, compromising driving safety. 2. Brake friction pads need replacement when worn to a certain degree to ensure unimpaired braking performance. Since brake system wear is influenced by multiple factors, it's advisable to inspect them approximately every 3,000 kilometers. Newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period to achieve optimal braking performance. 3. Generally, the lifespan of brake friction pads is around 30,000 kilometers, but this figure isn't absolute. The actual replacement cycle depends on usage conditions and individual driving habits. Developing a habit of regular inspections and timely maintenance is most essential.
I just helped my neighbor replace this a couple of days ago. Brake pads are the components that the calipers clamp onto during braking, pressing against the brake disc to create friction and stop the vehicle. They commonly come in three materials: semi-metallic, ceramic, and low-metallic. Semi-metallic ones are cheaper but produce more dust, while ceramic pads are quieter and more durable, though a bit pricier. Last time, I saw a car with its pads worn down to the metal backing plate, making terrifying screeching noises when braking, so I urged the owner to replace them immediately. The lifespan depends on driving habits—aggressive drivers might need replacements at 30,000 km, while smooth drivers can stretch it to 60,000 km. Always inspect the brake discs during replacement; resurface them if scratched. Remember to replace pads when they wear down to 3 mm—don’t wait until metal grinds on metal.
Last time my car had abnormal brake noise, the mechanic opened it up and pointed at the blackened metal piece, saying it was the friction pad. It's a composite material made by compressing metal shavings, resin, and ceramic powder, which grips the brake disc to slow down the vehicle during braking. I've studied the data - a friction coefficient between 0.35 to 0.45 is ideal; too low means insufficient braking, while too high risks wheel lockup. New pads start with about 1.5 cm thickness, and must be replaced when worn down to 0.3 cm. Once during rainy weather, I noticed longer braking distances, and inspection revealed the pad surface had become slippery from water saturation. For humid regions, I recommend choosing grooved designs that channel water away. During replacement, always clean brake disc debris thoroughly - otherwise, those annoying squeaks will drive you crazy.
