Why Are My Brake Pads Wearing Unevenly?

When you put your foot on the brake pedal, your brake pads come in contact with the brake rotors and create friction which slows your car down. This friction is what wears your brake pads down over time and need to be replaced. Ideally, your brake pads will wear evenly so you can schedule to have them replaced at the same time which is optimal for brake performance. In some cases, however, brake pads wearing unevenly will cost you more in the long run because you will need to replace some of your brake pads before you are ready. If that is the case, there are some things that might be causing that uneven wear on your brake pads.

Rusted or Dirty Rotors

Anytime your rotors are greasy or rusted it could lead to uneven wear on your brake pads. When you have your brake system inspected, ask your mechanic to take a look at your rotors and clean them if necessary.

Uneven Disc Thickness

Ideally, your rotors will have a uniform thickness. When they don't it is called disc thickness variation. Disc thickness variation causes more flat areas on your disc providing more places for contact with your brake pads.

Your Brake Pads are Misaligned

When your wheels are misaligned it causes uneven tire wear, when your brake pads are misaligned it causes uneven brake pad wear and tear. In most cases, this misalignment is obvious soon after installation. If you think that your brake pads might be misaligned, visit your mechanic immediately to have it corrected before your brake pads wear any further.

Different Brake Pad Types

Much like tires, anytime you are having new brake pads installed you want to use the same models across on throughout your vehicle. Different types of brake pads wear differently, so if the goal is even brake pad wear using multiple kinds won't work.

Damaged or Faulty Pistons

Your caliper pistons should have even interaction between your rotors. When they become rusted or damaged by debris, that becomes impossible. Anytime you have your brakes inspected or changed, your mechanic should take a look at your pistons and let you know if they need to be replaced.As important as your brakes are to the overall safety of your vehicle it only makes sense to take care of them. For your next brake inspection, brake pad replacement, or brake repair call the experts at Marks Auto Service at either of our two convenient (Rockford, Loves Park) locations.