Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-09-25 Origin: Site
The significance of the braking system in any vehicle is enormous. Its main function is to reduce the speed of a moving vehicle or to bring it to a complete stop. Therefore, the braking system must be reliable and the efficiency of the brakes must remain constant throughout their service life and under changing atmospheric conditions. The health and livelihood of vehicle passengers depend on it, and other incidental participants in road and pedestrian traffic.
Most vehicles produced today use disc brakes. The main elements of this design are the discs, which rotate side-by-side with the wheels, and the brake pads, which are connected to the hub by calipers. When the pad is pressed against the disc, friction occurs and that friction converts kinetic energy into heat. The energy in the form of heat is then released into the atmosphere.
How many passenger car brake discs do cars have？
Do the brakes come in pairs?
Can you replace one set of brakes at a time?
How do you know if your brakes need to be replaced?
Every car has two front brakes and two rear brakes. Cars built before 1970 tended to have drum brakes on both the front and rear. Cars built after 1970 tend to have disc brakes on all four wheels, or disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. Both types of brakes use a hydraulic braking system and brake pads or shoes to create friction and stop the vehicle when the driver applies pressure to the brake pedal.
Current brakes are divided into disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes utilize calipers, brake discs and brake linings. Each disc brake has a brake lining on each side that rests against the disc when the driver applies pressure to the brake pedal. Disc brakes provide the best braking power, as they are commonly used on high-performance vehicles.
Drum brakes are mounted in wheel cylinders and have brake shoes that press against the drum when the driver depresses the brake pedal. The drum brakes have springs that retract the brake shoes to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
Brake linings are sold in sets of 2 and brake discs are sold separately. You need two brake pads for each wheel. You must replace both pads on the wheel at the same time.
You should also always replace the brake pad on the other wheel on the same axle. Therefore, you will be purchasing two sets of two brake pads and replacing them on both wheels at once.
It may be helpful to replace one set of brakes at a time. If you find that only the front or rear brakes are worn out, go ahead and replace them.
Usually, each set of brake pads on the same axle will wear at the same rate. If one set of brake pads is worn, then the other set will be worn as well. Therefore, if you do not replace the brake pads on both wheels on the same axle, your car will still be unsafe.
What tells you if the brake pads are worn? Does the car squeal when you apply the brakes? This is the first indicator that something needs to be fixed. Rely on your senses to know if the brakes need to be adjusted or replaced.
Sound: You may hear a harsh sound when you apply the brakes. You may hear a different sound than a squeal. You will hear the brake pump pumping and working abnormally. If the sound is the trigger, you will need to consider replacing the brake rotors in addition to the strike pads. Often, a harsh sound will trigger damage to your brake rotors.
Sight: You can look at the brake pads. Look at them when they are new so you can see how thick they should be. Then, you will get an idea of how they will look when they are worn. Usually, if they are less than a quarter of an inch thick, they may need to be replaced.
Tactile/feel: Does your car have more on one side than the other? This could mean that the brake pads on one side are worn. How does the brake pedal feel when you press down with your foot? Are you pushing harder than usual? This could also be an indicator.
Smell: Do you smell burning rubber? If you smell burning, it could mean that at least one set of brake pads needs to be replaced.
Make sure to monitor your particular car. Much will depend on how your car is driven and whether the tires are rotated regularly and evenly. Also, brake pads will last longer if you have a lot of manual transmissions and low gears rather than slamming on the brakes. If you have steep, steep hills on your daily commute, the brake pads may wear out more quickly. I'm sure you have a better understanding of these issues, so contact us for service!
