How To Inspect Brake Pads

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are an essential component of a vehicle’s braking system. They create friction against the brake rotors to slow down or stop the vehicle when the brake pedal is pressed. Brake pads wear down over time and need to be replaced when they become too thin. Signs of worn brake pads include squealing or grinding noises and reduced braking efficiency. Regular inspection and replacement are vital for maintaining safe and effective braking performance.

Good brakes help keep you safe on the road, and the pads do the heavy lifting. Checking your brake pads occasionally lets you catch problems before they turn dangerous. Our service experts at Ike Honda have compiled this guide to show you how to check brake pads for wear, saving you money and giving you peace of mind.

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Understanding Brake Pads and Their Importance

Brake pads are flat components lined with friction material on one side. They sit inside the brake calipers behind each wheel. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure from your master cylinder activates a piston inside the caliper. Slider pins let your caliper move slightly, applying equal pressure to both pads. This forces the pads against the spinning rotors, generating the friction needed to slow and stop your vehicle. This happens instantly every time you brake.

Worn or damaged brake pads can lead to metal grinding on metal, severely limiting stopping power and potentially resulting in costly repairs.

Types of Brake Pads and Expected Life Span

Pad options vary based on your budget and driving needs. Organic pads cost less but wear faster, semimetallic pads last longer and handle most conditions well, and ceramic pads offer excellent durability but come at a higher cost. The life span of a brake pad typically ranges from 25,000 to 70,000 miles, with city driving wearing pads faster than highway cruising. Every pad has a steel backing plate that transmits force and supports the friction lining.

Signs of Brake Pad Wear

Brakes often give early warning signs when pads are worn. A high-pitched squeal is usually caused by the built-in wear indicator scraping the rotor, which is your car’s way of saying it’s time for new pads. If you hear grinding, things have gone from bad to worse; that’s metal-on-metal, meaning your pad material is gone and your car is not safe to drive.

Other warning signs include:

• Increased stopping distance
• Vibrations in the brake pedal
• Brake warning light illuminated
• Car pulling to one side when braking
• Delayed or soft brake response
• Shaky steering wheel during stops

Check your brake pads right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Bad brakes mean longer stopping distances and higher crash risk. No trip is worth that gamble, especially with family in the car.

How To Identify Brake Pads on Your Vehicle

Before you can inspect anything, you need to locate your pads. In many vehicles, you can see them by looking through the wheel spokes at the metal disc, or rotor. The flat objects pressing against both sides of the rotor are your brake pads. For a better view, you might need to jack up your car and remove the wheel.

Step-By-Step Guide to Inspecting Brake Pads

Follow these steps to check the integrity of your brake pads.

Gather Your Tools

You’ll need:

• Safety glasses
• A jack and jack stands
• A lug wrench
• A flashlight
• A ruler or thickness gauge

Safety first: always park on level ground, block wheels you’re not lifting, and never rely on the jack alone.

Lift the Vehicle and Remove the Wheel

Use the jack to raise the car and place it securely on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts with the wrench, and take off the wheel to access the brake components.

Inspect the Pads

Look at the pads without removing them. If needed, remove the caliper to get a better look. Check for cracks or uneven wear.

Measure Pad Thickness

Use a gauge or ruler to measure pad thickness. New pads are usually 12mm thick, or just under half an inch. Replace them once they reach 3-4mm, or about one-eighth of an inch. Many pads have built-in metal wear indicators that squeal when pads get too thin.

If one pad is thinner than the others, replace the whole set on that axle for balanced braking. Uneven wear often points to other problems, such as sticky calipers.

Reassemble and Test

Reinstall the wheel, tighten the lug nuts, and lower the car. Once it’s back on the ground, pump the brakes until the pedal feels firm before driving.

Repeat the inspection for all wheels; wear varies by position, and front pads typically wear faster than rear ones. Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific details, and ask a professional if there’s anything you’re unsure of.

Additional Tips for Inspecting Brake Pads

Keep the following in mind when inspecting brake pads on your Honda:

• Check for fluid leaks near calipers; these may point to hydraulic issues.
• Examine the rotors for grooves or warping.
• Look for uneven pad wear using a caliper tool; odd wear patterns may point to suspension problems.
• Replace the electronic wear sensors when triggered.
• Change the brake fluid every two years to prevent moisture damage.
• Inspect the brakes at least twice a year.

To extend pad life, maintain steady speeds, use engine braking downhill, avoid tailgating, and apply the brakes gradually.

Common Brake Pad Issues and How To Address Them

Some problems go beyond normal wear. Here are some common issues and what they typically mean:

• Uneven pad wear: This could point to stuck calipers, misaligned wheels, or dirty slider pins.
• Glossy pad surfaces: This indicates glazing from overheating, which can reduce friction and braking effectiveness.
• Contamination: If the pads are soaked with oil or brake fluid, they must be replaced. Fix the leak before installing new pads to keep them from getting damaged again.
• Cracked pads: Cracks signal structural weakness, often from age or extreme heat. Replace them immediately to avoid sudden failure.
• Brake fade: This happens when brakes overheat and lose effectiveness. Shift to lower gears on long downhills, and avoid riding the brakes.

Some of these issues may also indicate problems with related components, such as rotors, calipers, or the suspension.

Ensuring Your Safety on the Road

Knowing how to check the brake pads on your car helps you spot small problems before they become dangerous and costly. While DIY checks can be helpful, remember that brakes are complex safety systems with many connected parts. If you’re sure about what you’re seeing or something feels off, it’s time to get professional help.

For expert brake service, visit us at Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois. We’ll check your entire brake system and tell you exactly what needs work. Taking care of your brakes means taking care of everyone who rides with you and shares the road.