Disc Brake Pads

What brake pads do

Brake pads clamp against the rotor to turn motion into heat. Their friction material determines pedal feel, noise, dust, rotor wear and how well they cope with heat. Pads are a wear item and should be replaced when the friction material is thin, as indicated by wear sensors, squeal tabs or measurement against the manufacturer's minimum thickness.

Pad compounds

• Ceramic pads run quiet, make little dust and are gentle on rotors, which suits daily driving.
• Semi-metallic pads contain metal fibers, handle heat well and bite hard, but can be noisier and dustier.
• Carbon-ceramic or hybrid formulas, as described in product listings, aim to combine low dust with strong stopping under load.
• Performance street and track compounds grab harder when hot but may be less comfortable cold.

Matching the pad to your use

Trucks and SUVs often tow, carry loads or run larger tires, all of which add braking demand. Look for pads described for truck and SUV or tow use if that applies. A pad built for track days may squeal and wear rotors faster in everyday driving. Descriptions often refer to chamfered and slotted designs, which help with noise and gas venting, and to shims or insulators that reduce vibration.

What to check before choosing

• Front or rear axle, since the pads differ.
• Year, make, model, trim and brake package, such as heavy-duty or towing packages.
• Whether hardware, shims or anti-rattle clips are included.
• Whether the pad is a direct replacement or an upgrade.

Installation and break-in

Brakes are a safety system. If you are not experienced, have a qualified technician do the work. At minimum, inspect rotors and calipers, clean and lubricate slide pins, and replace pads in axle sets. Machine or replace rotors if worn, scored or below minimum thickness. Follow the manufacturer's bedding procedure, because most pads need gradual heat cycling to transfer material evenly. Torque caliper bolts and wheel nuts to specification and test the pedal before driving.

Inspection and mistakes to avoid

Measure pad thickness at several points. Many pads wear faster on one end or on the inner pad, which can point to a sticking slide pin or caliper piston. Pads that are worn unevenly, glazed or cracked should be replaced and the cause found. Squealing that continues after bedding can come from missing shims, dry slide pins or the wrong compound.

• Do not mix pad compounds from side to side on one axle.
• Do not touch the friction surface with greasy hands or spray lubricant near it. Contamination reduces grip.
• Do not apply grease to the pad's friction face. Use brake-rated lubricant only on contact points and slide pins.
• Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, so check the fluid age at pad replacement.

For vehicles used for towing or heavy off-road work, replace pads before they reach the minimum thickness. Fade, a loss of braking when pads and rotors overheat, is more likely when materials are thin. Descending long grades in a lower gear reduces heat in the brakes.