When was the last time you thought about your car’s brake pads? They’re not exactly a glamorous part of your vehicle, so it’s probably not something you contemplate day to day. Yet they play a critical role in keeping you safe on the road. Each time you press the brake pedal, your brake pads create the friction needed to slow down and stop your car. Over time, they wear down—but not always evenly.
Uneven brake pad wear is a sign that something in your braking system isn’t quite right. It can lead to reduced braking efficiency, longer stopping distances, and in severe cases, brake failure.
The good news is that with a little attention and regular maintenance, you can prevent uneven brake pad wear and keep your car’s braking system in top condition. It’s easier than you think.
What Causes Uneven Brake Pad Wear?
Ever ridden a bike? Then you’ve probably seen brake pads in action. When you pull on the hand brakes, brake pads press against the wheel to slow you down until you eventually come to a stop.
Your car works similarly. Step on the brakes, and the brake pads move into action. Your brake pads should ideally wear down at a consistent rate. However, a variety of factors can lead to one pad wearing out faster than the others. This includes:
Misaligned Brake Calipers
Your brake calipers press the pads against the rotors to create the friction needed for stopping. If a caliper is misaligned, it can apply uneven pressure, causing one brake pad to wear down faster than the other.
Signs of a problem may include pulling to one side while braking or uneven pad thickness when inspected.
Sticking Brake Calipers
A sticking caliper occurs when the caliper pistons don’t fully retract after braking. This causes the brake pads to remain in contact with the rotor, leading to continuous friction and accelerated wear on one side.
Common symptoms include a burning smell near the wheels, excessive heat from a wheel after driving, or reduced fuel efficiency.
Worn or Damaged Brake Hardware
The brake hardware—like clips, springs, and bushings—helps the brake pads move smoothly. When these components wear out or become damaged, the pads may not retract properly, causing uneven wear.
Watch out for noise when braking, such as squealing or clunking, or visible damage or corrosion on brake hardware.
Faulty Brake Rotors
Your brake pads press against the rotors to slow your vehicle. If the rotors are warped or uneven, they can cause inconsistent pad wear. This often happens due to excessive heat, hard braking, or age.
Imbalanced Braking System
If your braking system isn’t distributing pressure evenly, some brake pads will bear more of the load, leading to faster wear. This issue can be caused by problems in the hydraulic system, such as uneven fluid pressure or air in the brake lines.
How to Inspect Your Brake Pads for Uneven Wear
Routine inspections are essential for spotting uneven brake pad wear early. Remember that “pre-flight checklist” we’ve talked about in other articles? Spending a few minutes checking over your car each week can help you notice potential problems before they escalate. Here’s how you can check your brake pads:
- Listen for Noises: Squeaking, squealing, or grinding sounds can indicate worn or uneven brake pads.
- Visual Inspection: Look through the spokes of your wheels or remove them to see the brake pads. Compare the thickness of the inner and outer pads—if one is significantly thinner, you have uneven wear.
- Feel for Vibrations: When braking, vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal can signal rotor or pad issues.
- Monitor Braking Performance: If your car pulls to one side when braking, it may be due to uneven pad wear or a caliper problem.
How to Fix Uneven Brake Pad Wear
If you discover uneven brake pad wear, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can lead to more extensive—and expensive—damage to your braking system.
Replace Worn Brake Pads
If your brake pads are worn unevenly, replacing them is the first step. It’s essential to replace pads on both sides of the axle to maintain balanced braking.
Check and Service the Brake Calipers
If a sticking or misaligned caliper is causing the problem, it will need to be serviced or replaced. This process involves:
- Cleaning and Lubricating Caliper Slides: This helps the caliper move freely.
- Replacing Caliper Pins or Hardware: Old or damaged hardware can prevent proper pad movement.
- Repairing or Replacing Calipers: In severe cases, you might need a full caliper replacement.
Resurface or Replace Rotors
If uneven brake pad wear is caused by damaged rotors, resurfacing or replacing them may be necessary. Resurfacing removes a thin layer of the rotor to create a smooth surface. If the rotors are too thin or heavily damaged, replacement is the safer option.
Bleed and Balance the Braking System
Uneven hydraulic pressure can lead to imbalanced braking. Bleeding the brake lines removes any trapped air, ensuring even pressure distribution. Your mechanic can also inspect the brake fluid for contamination and replace it if needed.
Replace Brake Hardware
If the issue stems from worn or damaged brake hardware, replacing components like clips, springs, or bushings can restore proper pad movement and prevent future uneven wear.
Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Uneven Brake Pad Wear
The best way to deal with uneven brake pad wear is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your brake system in top shape:
Schedule Regular Brake Inspections
Have your brake system inspected at least twice a year, especially if you notice any changes in braking performance. Early detection of caliper, rotor, or hardware issues can prevent uneven wear.
Rotate Brake Pads When Needed
If your car’s design allows it, rotating your brake pads can promote even wear. Your mechanic can advise you if this is possible with your specific brake setup.
Avoid Aggressive Braking
Sudden stops and hard braking create excessive heat and pressure, leading to uneven pad wear. Instead, try to brake smoothly and gradually whenever possible.
Keep Brake Components Clean and Lubricated
Dirt and corrosion can affect the movement of brake components. Regular cleaning and using high-temperature brake lubricant on metal contact points can help maintain smooth operation.
Use High-Quality Brake Components
Investing in quality brake pads, rotors, and hardware can make a significant difference in performance and longevity. High-quality components are less prone to uneven wear and can withstand heat and pressure better than cheaper alternatives.
Keep Your Brakes Safe and Reliable
Uneven brake pad wear isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue. It affects your car’s ability to brake effectively and can lead to premature wear of other components in your braking system.
If you’ve noticed signs of uneven brake pad wear, or if your brakes aren’t performing as well as they should, schedule an appointment with our experienced mechanics today. We’ll inspect, diagnose, and fix the issue, keeping your vehicle safe and your mind at ease.
Because when it comes to your brakes, there’s no room for compromise. Safe driving starts with a well-maintained braking system.