What is the common cause of disc brake system failure?

Possible causes: Discs and pads contaminated with some type of external agent • Anti-noise shims displaced, damaged or bent • Ungreased braking system (guides) • Inadequate friction material. ICER Brakes recommends mounting its pads to avoid this problem • Improper or worn brake disc.

What are the symptoms of a bad brake disc?

You hear squealing or squeaking noises while braking. The brakes are vibrating or pulsing when you step on the brake pedal. The rotors show grooves or score marks. It takes you longer than normal to slow down or stop.

February 21, 2024

Common disc braking system problems

Disc brakes are a critical component of modern vehicles, offering efficient stopping power and reliability. However, like any mechanical system, they can experience problems over time. Here are some common disc braking system problems:

Brake Pad Wear: Brake pads are designed to wear out over time due to friction. If they wear too much, it can lead to decreased braking efficiency and even damage to other brake components.
Brake Rotor Wear: Similarly, brake rotors can wear down over time due to constant friction with the brake pads. Excessive wear can lead to reduced braking performance and may necessitate rotor replacement.
Brake Fluid Leaks: Leaks in the brake fluid system can occur due to damaged brake lines, seals, or calipers. Loss of brake fluid can lead to a soft brake pedal feel and decreased braking effectiveness.
Brake Caliper Problems: Calipers are responsible for squeezing the brake pads against the rotor. Issues such as stuck caliper pistons, corroded slide pins, or damaged seals can lead to uneven braking or even brake dragging.
Brake Noise: Squealing, grinding, or scraping noises during braking can indicate various issues such as worn brake pads, glazed brake rotors, or debris caught between the pads and rotor.
Brake Fluid Contamination: Contaminated brake fluid, such as water or dirt, can compromise brake performance and lead to corrosion within the braking system. Regular brake fluid flushing helps prevent this issue.
Brake Fade: Brake fade occurs when prolonged or heavy braking causes the brake system to overheat, resulting in reduced stopping power. It can be caused by factors such as improper brake fluid, worn brake pads, or inadequate cooling.
Warped Rotors: Excessive heating and cooling cycles can cause brake rotors to warp, leading to pulsating or vibrating sensations during braking. This issue often arises from aggressive driving, overheating, or improper torqueing of lug nuts.
ABS Malfunction: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheel lock-up during heavy braking. Malfunctions in ABS components, such as sensors, control modules, or hydraulic units, can compromise vehicle stability and safety.
Uneven Brake Pad Wear: Uneven wear patterns on brake pads can indicate issues with brake caliper alignment, rotor runout, or suspension components. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure consistent braking performance.

Regular inspection, maintenance, and prompt resolution of disc brake issues are essential for vehicle safety and performance. If you notice any signs of brake problems, it’s advisable to have them inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic promptly.

What are the disc brake rotor problems?

Disc brake rotors, also known as brake discs, can develop various problems over time, affecting braking performance and safety. Here are some common disc brake rotor problems:

Warped Rotors: Warping occurs when the rotor surface becomes uneven due to excessive heat buildup and cooling cycles. This can result from aggressive braking, such as braking heavily from high speeds, or improper torqueing of lug nuts. Warped rotors cause pulsation or vibration through the brake pedal and steering wheel during braking.
Scoring or Grooving: Continuous contact with brake pads can cause scoring or grooving on the rotor surface. This may occur due to debris caught between the pad and rotor, or from prolonged use with worn-out brake pads. Scoring or grooving can lead to uneven braking and noise during operation.
Heat Checking: Heat checking refers to the development of small cracks or lines on the surface of the rotor due to extreme heat exposure. This can occur during aggressive driving, heavy braking, or towing heavy loads. Heat checking compromises the structural integrity of the rotor and may lead to brake failure if left unaddressed.
Corrosion: Exposure to moisture, road salt, and other environmental factors can cause corrosion to develop on the surface of the rotor. Corrosion can lead to uneven braking, noise, and accelerated wear of brake pads. Severe corrosion may require rotor replacement to restore braking performance.
Thickness Variation: Over time, rotors can develop variations in thickness due to wear or uneven heating and cooling. Thickness variation causes inconsistent braking performance, as the brake pads may not make uniform contact with the rotor surface. This can lead to pulsation or vibration during braking.
Runout: Runout refers to the lateral or radial movement of the rotor as it rotates. Excessive runout can result from improper installation, worn wheel bearings, or damaged rotor mounting surfaces. Runout causes uneven braking and may contribute to brake pulsation or noise.
Rust and Scale Buildup: Inactive vehicles or those exposed to moisture for extended periods can develop rust and scale buildup on the rotor surface. Rust and scale can interfere with brake pad contact and lead to noise, vibration, and reduced braking effectiveness.

Regular inspection and maintenance of disc brake rotors are essential to identify and address these issues promptly. Depending on the severity of the problem, rotor resurfacing or replacement may be necessary to ensure safe and reliable braking performance.