8 Signs of a Bad Brake Pad

The main signs of a bad brake pad are a squealing noise and a burning rubber smell. The brake pad works by pressing itself against the vehicle’s brake rotors until the wheels stop or the driver releases the brake pedal. However, if the brake pads are worn out or damaged, they’ll intentionally release a squealing sound, indicating it’s time to change them.

• Positioning: The brake pad sits inside the wheel, between the disc and the brake caliper.

When the vehicle runs with worn-out brake pads, it’ll suffer extra friction around the wheels and brake components, overheating them.

• Safety: Brake pad wear pad is extremely serious as it can progress into critical brake malfunction. In worst cases, the vehicle’s brakes can simply stop working or lose almost all of its efficiency.

A squealing noise

The squealing noise results from the vehicle’s brake pad suffering excessive friction while the vehicle is braking. Brake pads wear every 30,000 miles or so and are engineered to cause squealing sounds when they’re completely worn out. They’re basically alarming the driver.

Acting early is crucial since thin brake pads can only deteriorate so much until they start damaging other brake components and result in critical braking malfunction.

Pulling to one side

Say one of the sides has a better brake pad than the other. This means when braking, the ‘good side’ will perform better. Consequently, the vehicle pulls to the better-braking side, as it works as a sort of ‘anchor.’

This might also be the case when the brake pad is sticky on one side due to grease, for example. In this case, the greasy pad is constantly pressing the disc, causing the vehicle to pull to its side while driving.

Other common signs

Here are other common signs that some of your vehicle’s hoses might be melting/burning:

• Burning rubber smell

• Grinding noise when braking

• Reduced braking performance

• Brake pedal vibration

• Longer stopping distances

• A brake warning light on the dashboard

Possible fixes

 

• Brake system evaluation: A brake system evaluation might be needed to check if the components of your brake system are compatible and reliable. Commonly, cheap brake pads can result in quicker wear.

• Brake caliper replacement: If the brake pads are worn out for a long time, causing extra friction and overheating the system, the brake caliper needs to be checked. Since the caliper works alongside the pads, it’s at risk of failing due to worn brake pads.

• Brake Rotor Replacement: The brake rotor can suffer extra damage if the brake pads are worn. This means the rotor can develop heat cracks, hot spots, uneven surfaces, etc., requiring replacement.

• Brake Pad Replacement: The brake pad itself needs replacement. If the pads just started squealing, meaning they aren’t worn out for too long, then only replacing them should fix the problem.

• Wheel bearing replacement: The brake system is directly connected to the wheels. This means that brake issues can result in wheel problems. The wheel bearing can suffer from a worn brake pad and require replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should brake pads be replaced?

Brake pads should generally be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but the exact interval can vary depending on driving habits, vehicle type, and the quality of the brake pads. Frequent city driving with lots of stop-and-go traffic, aggressive braking, or carrying heavy loads can wear out brake pads more quickly, requiring more frequent replacement.

Can I drive my car with a bad brake pad?

Driving with bad brake pads is risky and not recommended. Worn or damaged brake pads can significantly reduce your vehicle's braking performance, leading to longer stopping distances, decreased control, and increased risk of an accident. Additionally, bad brake pads can cause damage to the brake rotors, resulting in more costly repairs. 

How serious is a bad brake pad?

A bad brake pad is a serious issue that can significantly compromise vehicle safety. Worn or damaged brake pads reduce braking effectiveness, leading to longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents. They can also cause further damage to the brake rotors, resulting in more expensive repairs. Additionally, compromised brake pads may lead to reduced control over the vehicle, especially in emergency situations.