5 Simple Tips For Checking Brake Pads On Your Vehicle
Proper functioning brake pads are, without a doubt, an integral part of your bike. You might not pay attention to them, but you rely on your brake pads whenever you press the brake levers.
Gradually, your bike’s braking system might lose its effectiveness over time. This results in a slower response, less control and success of braking.
Therefore, it is simple to say that you must check brake pads before every ride to ensure everything is in place. But how do you do it? That’s why we are here to answer your question on how to check brake pads.
Checking Brake Assemblies
Our first step to ensure everything is working properly is by checking the brake assemblies. This includes brake calipers and brake pads too. It is no surprise to expect the incorrect installation of assemblies or getting it out of position due to aggravating rides and crashes.
To check your brake assemblies, you must inspect both the front and back of the calipers. Also, make sure that the rotors are always centered in place between the brake pads. The rotors are supposed to make full contact with each of the brake pads when the brake is activated.
They ought to be seen to it to ensure that all the components are correctly positioned and able to move freely. Plus, all the bolts should be tightly fitted.
Fixing Brake Assemblies
Brakes that are off-centre can cause misalignment between the brakes and the rotor. This leads to noise and poor braking as it makes only one side of the brakes to make contact with the rotor.
Fortunately, re-adjustments can take care of this issue if you only need to loosen the nuts and slightly move the caliper in the proper position.
In case of some calipers, it requires you to alter shims to balance them over the rotors. Moreover, always check to be certain that the bolts on the rotors and calipers are tight fitted. Unsecured or loose parts can cause vibration and noise while braking.
Checking and Cleaning Brake Pads
It is normal for brake pads to wear down over time. This often leads to slower or inefficient braking and longer response times. Not to mention the extra effort it takes to engage the brake system.
To check brake pads, first, you must inspect for any glaze or wear on your brake pads. Next, remove the wheel, look into the place where the rotor spins. If the pads are glazed, remove them from the calipers and lay them flat on a piece of sandpaper.
Gently scrape off the dirt and excess. If they happen to be less than 3mm thick, it is time to replace them.
Brake Pads Maintenance
Brakes pads are sensitive to any kind of contamination, which can lead to squeaking or squealing of brakes. Even the smallest amount of oil, which can be oil from your skin can wreak havoc. So, whenever you are handling them, try to avoid the braking surface from coming into contact with your bare skin.
However, if the pads get exposed to your skin, clean them by rubbing alcohol or any specific product designed to clean it. Then let it dry and lightly roughen the pads with sandpaper.
Also, beware of weather and road conditions. Indeed, brake pads need replacing, but it is especially true in the case of winter since they are more prone to picking up grime and grit from the roads.
Besides, it is important to note that your own safety comes first. You can be certain of that by checking for any signs of wear and tear in your brake pads. You can make this a maintenance routine. It is easy, and it is something you can do anytime at home.
In short, make an overall check of your brakes to ensure that they are clean and properly adjusted before every ride. Likewise, make sure that the parts are perfectly positioned and in order.
Apart from regular checking, have your brake inspected and serviced from time to time. An experienced mechanic should do the job and find problems that are not visible to your inexperienced eyes.
An interval of six months or so is fine to get your brake serviced and to maintain its upkeep. You can do it more often if you are a frequent user.
How To Check Brake Pads Without Removing Wheel!
Conclusion
Finally, with the help of this guide, it should be able to clear away any confusion on how to check brake pads. Now, you can easily check and have your brake system perform to the fullest.
