Where are the brake pads?
2 Answers
Brake pads are located on the brake discs or brake drums of a car, serving as friction materials fixed to the rotating brake drums or discs connected to the wheels. Brake pads consist of a steel plate, a bonded heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials to prevent heat transfer, while the friction block is composed of friction materials and adhesives. During braking, the friction block is pressed against the brake disc or drum to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Brake pads can be classified as follows: 1. Based on braking methods: drum brake pads and disc brake pads; 2. Based on materials: asbestos type, semi-metallic type, and non-asbestos organic type.
As a DIY car enthusiast, I think the location of brake pads is crucial. They are installed inside the brake calipers near the wheels. Simply put, when you're driving, each wheel has a rotating brake disc (like a large round plate), and the brake pads act like two small clamps positioned on both sides of the disc inside the caliper—when you press the brake pedal, they squeeze the disc to slow down the car. Their position is designed close to the ground, so dust or small stones can easily fly in during daily driving, accelerating wear. However, you can check for thinning or cracks by simply removing a tire. I recommend measuring the thickness with calipers every 6 months or every 10,000 km—replace them if the remaining thickness is only 2-3 mm, otherwise not only will braking performance degrade, but the disc may also get scratched, leading to costlier repairs. If you're a DIY beginner, don’t attempt this blindly; visit a professional shop instead. Although the location is exposed, unfamiliarity with tools can lead to injuries. Maintaining this habit improves safety and saves money.
