5 SYMPTOMS OF BAD BRAKE PADS
PURPOSE
The purpose of the brake pads is to act as a friction material to stop the car. When you press on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is passed from the master cylinder through the brake lines, and into the caliper on each wheel. The hydraulic fluid then pressurizes the caliper to compress the brake pads on each side of the rotor to stop the car.
Most cars have brake pads. However, if you don't see a rotor, then you probably have drum brakes and brake shoes instead.
location
The brake pads will be behind the wheel in between the rotor and the caliper.
symptoms
strange sounds
The first and most common symptom of bad brake pads that people experience is hearing a squealing or grinding noise. If you hear a squealing noise while driving or braking, it could mean that the brakes have worn down to the wear indicator. This will cause the wear indicator to rub against the rotor. On the other hand, if you hear a grinding noise when braking, it could be due to a worn-down brake pad. This will cause the backing plate to rub against the rotor.
scratched rotor
The second symptom of bad brake pads is a scratched rotor. This happens when the backing plate is used to press on the rotors to stop the car. This metal-to-metal contact creates visual damage to the rotor.
longer braking distance
The third symptom you could be experiecning is a longer braking distance. If the the brake pads are worn down to the backing plate, the metal to metal contact won’t provide the same stopping power as the brake pad lining. In some situations, you’ll experience vibrations when braking. It’s important to note that a warped rotor could also cause this when braking.
car pulling to one side
The fourth symptom of bad brake pads is your car pulling to one side when braking. For example, if the brake pads are completely worn out on the right side of the vehicle, then the braking force will be applied on the left side. This causes the vehicle to pull to the left side when braking. If this happens to your car, make sure to diagnose and inspect the brake system carefully as there could be other failing components involved.
brake warning light
The fifth symptom of bad brake pads is a brake warning light. Some cars have an electrical wear indicator that turns on the brake warning light whenever the brake pad lining wears down. When the indicator touches the rotor it grounds itself to complete the circuit and turn on the brake warning light.
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