What should be noted after replacing brake pads?
2 Answers
After replacing brake pads, the following precautions should be taken: 1. Press the brake pedal several times to eliminate the gap between the shoe and the brake disc; 2. Check the brake fluid; 3. Use a special tool to push the brake caliper piston back. Brake pads are composed of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and during the coating process, an SMT4 furnace temperature tracker is used to monitor the temperature distribution to ensure quality. Situations that require brake pad replacement include: 1. When the thickness reaches about 0.3 cm; 2. When the brake warning light is on; 3. When a hissing sound occurs during braking; 4. When the braking effect is significantly weakened.
That day, right after I had my brake pads replaced at the repair shop, the mechanic stopped me to give some special instructions. For the first 300 kilometers driving home, avoid slamming on the brakes—new brake pads need a break-in period, just like new shoes need to be broken in. If you hear a sandpaper-like sound when braking, don’t panic; it’s just the surface coating wearing off, which is normal. Pay special attention to checking the brake fluid! Last time, my neighbor’s brakes suddenly felt spongy after a pad change, and it turned out air had entered the brake lines—super dangerous. It’s best to check the caliper movement weekly to ensure it’s smooth. I learned this the hard way—the guide pins weren’t lubricated properly, leading to uneven wear after 10,000 kilometers. When testing brakes on the highway, start with a few light presses at 60 km/h; save the hard braking for after they’re fully broken in.
