Brake Pads and Brake Discs
A brake, or brake pad is a system that safely enables a car to stop. Brakes get rid of the kinetic energy that helps the car move, which is done by using force of friction to convert this motion of energy into heat. Your car's braking system is made up of the following components: Brake discs, which spin with your car's wheels, Brake Pads, which push on the discs to slow the car, Brake Calipers which hold, and push, the pads, Brake Lines (or 'Hoses') which carry Brake Fluid, and your Brake Master Cylinder and Servo, which work to amplify the effort you use when pushing the brake pedal. Wear or failure of any one of these components will cause braking problems, requiring repair.
Modern cars have brakes on all four wheels which are operated by a hydraulic system and are made up of several components all of which are subject to stress which could result in breakage.
The front brakes in a car are typically the ones which play the greater part in bringing a car to stop as the weight of the car is thrown forward every time the vehicle comes to a stop.
There are different systems used for braking from one car to the next which suits the needs of the vehicle size and function.
The common hydraulic system uses fluid to apply pressure to pistons in the car close to its wheels to bring the car to a halt.
Some cars also have power brake assistance which helps to reduce the amount of effort required to apply stopping power.
If you need to have your brakes repaired there are several issues that could have caused the problem and several things that could be affected.
If you suspect you need your brakes repaired but your car is still drivable, there are some symptoms which could give you clues as to what the problem is.
The brakes are often the noisiest part of a car if there is an issue which means you should be able to hear a problem which cannot be said of many other broken car parts. Therefore, noticing the need for a car brake repair should be obvious. But you can check faulty brake symptoms here.
What are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are a critical component of a car and a vehicle cannot come to a halt without them functioning properly. Brake pads are fitted to the brake calipers which push the pads into the brake discs which are fitted to a car wheel. When a car is moving, the pads grip the discs to slow down the wheel and thus slow the car down.
A high amount of heat energy is created from the resulting friction as explained above and over time, this will wear brake pads down.
Brake pad replacement is a common job, the work to remove a worn-down-set is not complex so if you require a brake pad replacement, the repair will not be a lengthy one.
If you would like to understand how to tell when your brakes need servicing read our dedicated guide.
What are Brake Discs?
Brake discs are fitted to the car wheel itself and they are gripped by the brake pads.
Brake discs replacement is more expensive; the parts are more expensive than pads. Often pads are placed at the same time the discs are replaced.
If a mechanic advises you to replace your brake discs, they will likely suggest replacing the pads at the same time due to a the low cost of the part and the little extra labour time needed.
Brake Pad Replacement Cost
The cost of brake pad replacement may vary depending on the car make and model. This is because there are different sizes of brake pads and the cost increases as they get bigger. For example, a Land Rover will require a bigger set of brake pads as opposed to a Fiat Punto.
We have written a brake price comparison guide if you want to learn more.
If you want a good brake pad deal, you can compare quotes from garages near you by entering you details at the top of the page.
Brake Disc Replacement Cost
If you specifically require brake disc replacement, the work will take a similar amount of time to a brake pad replacement.
However, as highlighted above, the cost will be more expensive that pads due to the parts pricing.
How to change brake pads
Brake pads are changed by removing the wheel and unscrewing the bolts which hold the part in place. The part is then simply taken off the brake caliper and a new brake pad is fitted. The same process will be applied for each of the pads that need to be replaced.
Common Brake Repairs
There are many other common issues which can arise with the braking system which are not connected to brake pads and discs issues. The brake lines are susceptible to leakage as brake fluid can leak from the system if rust is untreated. The master cylinder is also a part of the braking system which can become faulty. If you would like to understand more we have a dedicated page for brake repairs.
If you want to know how brakes work, we have created a dedicated guide.
Signs of faulty brake pads and discs
There are several obvious signs that your brake pads and discs are not operating properly. If your car is taking much longer to come to a stop, it will be clear that there is a problem with your brakes.
Other signs of faulty brake pads and discs are;
- Burning smell
- Spongy brake pedal
- Screeching noise
- Grinding noise
- Pulling to one side
- Squeaking noise
If you would like to learn more about the signs of brake problems we have written a dedicated guide.
Local garages for brake pads and discs
To find the best Brake Pads and Discs Replacement service available in your region;
- Enter your car registration number
- Give us a few details about your car and your requirements
- We’ll send you a great selection of quotes from mechanics and garages in your area
You can then compare the quotes and read reviews from previous customers to find the best brake pads and discs deal in your area, before booking online.
