22/08/2018
Can a Garage Fit New Brake Discs & Pads Together?
It's a common question many car owners ponder when it's time for routine maintenance: "Will a garage fit new brake discs and pads together?" The straightforward answer is a resounding yes. In fact, it's not only possible but also the standard and most recommended practice for ensuring optimal braking performance and safety. Replacing brake discs (also known as rotors) and brake pads as a complete set is the correct procedure for a reason, and understanding why will help you appreciate the importance of this service.
Why Replace Discs and Pads Together?
Brake systems are intricate, and their components work in harmony to bring your vehicle to a halt. The brake pads are the friction material that presses against the brake discs. Over time, both components wear down. Here's why replacing them simultaneously is crucial:
- Even Wear: New brake pads are designed to mate with a relatively smooth and unworn brake disc surface. If you fit new pads to worn or grooved discs, the new pads will conform to the uneven surface. This leads to reduced braking efficiency and can cause premature wear on the new pads.
- Optimal Performance: A new disc and new pad combination provides the best possible friction and stopping power. The surfaces are clean, flat, and designed to work together.
- Preventing Noise: Worn discs can develop uneven surfaces, hotspots, or glazing. Fitting new pads to these compromised discs can often result in new noises, such as squealing or grinding, even though the parts are new.
- Longevity: When both components are new, they are expected to wear at a similar rate, ensuring a longer overall lifespan for both parts and reducing the need for another brake service in the near future.
- Safety: Your brakes are a critical safety feature. Ensuring they are in peak condition by replacing worn components together is paramount. Inconsistent braking can be dangerous.
The Garage Process: What to Expect
When you book your car in for brake replacement, a reputable garage will typically follow a thorough process:
- Inspection: The mechanic will first inspect your entire braking system, including the discs, pads, brake fluid, calipers, and hoses, to assess the overall condition and identify any other potential issues.
- Disc and Pad Removal: The wheels are removed, and the caliper (which houses the brake pads) is unbolked and often swung out of the way or removed completely. The old brake pads are then carefully levered out. The caliper bracket, which holds the discs, is then unbolted, allowing the old discs to be removed.
- Cleaning and Preparation: The hub surface where the new disc will sit is meticulously cleaned to remove any rust or debris. This ensures a flush fit and proper transfer of braking forces. Caliper slider pins are often cleaned and lubricated to ensure the caliper moves freely.
- New Disc Installation: The new brake disc is placed onto the hub and secured, often with a small retaining screw.
- New Pad Installation: The new brake pads are fitted into the caliper, often with new anti-squeal shims or clips. The pistons in the caliper are then gently pushed back into their housings to accommodate the thicker new pads.
- Reassembly: The caliper is reattached to the caliper bracket, ensuring it's correctly seated and bolted. The wheel is then put back on and tightened to the correct torque.
- Brake Fluid Check: The level and condition of the brake fluid are checked, and it might be topped up or even flushed and replaced if it's old or contaminated.
- Bedding In: After the new parts are fitted, it's crucial to "bed them in." This process involves a series of moderate to firm stops from different speeds. Garages will often advise you on the best way to do this, or they might perform a basic bedding-in procedure themselves. This allows the pads and discs to mate properly, ensuring optimal performance and preventing glazing or uneven wear.
Factors Influencing Brake Wear
Several factors can influence how quickly your brake discs and pads wear out:
| Factor | Impact on Brake Wear |
|---|---|
| Driving Style | Aggressive driving, frequent hard braking, and 'riding' the brakes accelerate wear significantly. Smooth, progressive braking is best. |
| Driving Conditions | Stop-start city driving causes more wear than consistent highway cruising. Driving in hilly or mountainous terrain also increases brake usage. |
| Vehicle Load | Carrying heavy loads or towing puts extra strain on the brakes, leading to faster wear. |
| Brake Pad Material | Performance or semi-metallic pads can sometimes wear discs faster than ceramic or organic pads, though they often offer better stopping power. |
| Quality of Parts | Using high-quality, reputable brands for both discs and pads generally results in better longevity and performance. |
Signs Your Brakes Need Attention
It's essential to be aware of the warning signs that indicate your brakes may need inspection or replacement:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal often means the wear indicators on the pads have contacted the discs. A grinding noise suggests metal-on-metal contact, which is a serious issue.
- Vibrations or Pulsations: If you feel vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it often indicates warped brake discs.
- Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: A brake pedal that feels too soft or goes down further than usual can indicate air in the brake lines or a problem with the master cylinder.
- Reduced Braking Performance: If your car takes longer to stop or feels less responsive when you brake, it's a clear sign of worn components.
- Warning Lights: Modern cars have brake warning lights on the dashboard. If this illuminates, it needs immediate attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I get my brakes checked?
It's recommended to have your brakes inspected at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Many garages offer free brake checks.
Q2: Can I just replace the brake pads without changing the discs?
While technically possible, it's generally not advisable. Fitting new pads to worn discs will compromise performance, increase noise, and shorten the life of the new pads. It's always best to replace them as a set.
Q3: How long does a brake disc and pad replacement take?
On average, replacing the front or rear brake discs and pads for one axle typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. This can vary depending on the vehicle and the garage's workload.
Q4: What is the 'bedding in' process for new brakes?
Bedding in allows the new pads and discs to make full contact and reach optimal performance. It usually involves a series of moderate stops from around 30-50 mph, avoiding harsh braking. Follow your garage's specific advice.
Q5: Will replacing my brakes affect my car's MOT test?
Yes, your brakes are a critical part of the MOT test. If your brakes are worn beyond the legal limits, your car will fail its MOT.
Conclusion
In summary, a garage is fully equipped and trained to replace your brake discs and pads together. This is the correct and safest approach to maintaining your braking system. Don't compromise on safety; if you notice any of the warning signs, book your vehicle in for a professional brake inspection and replacement. Ensuring your brakes are in good condition is one of the most important things you can do for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.
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