What Is a Brake Pads?
Brake pads are composite friction material bonded to a steel backing plate and housed in the brake caliper. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper pistons to push the pads against both sides of the rotating brake disc, converting kinetic energy into heat through friction and slowing the vehicle. Modern brake pads include a metal wear indicator that produces a squealing sound when the friction material is nearly exhausted.
What Does the Brake Pads Do?
Brake pads are the primary friction component in the disc brake system. Their composition is carefully engineered to provide consistent friction across a wide temperature range, resist fade under sustained heavy braking, minimise noise and dust, and provide sufficient service life for normal driving. Different compounds are used for standard road use, performance driving and commercial vehicles.
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Get My Free Fault Scan →Symptoms of a Failing Brake Pads
Worn brake pads produce a squealing or grinding noise under braking. A grinding noise indicates the friction material has been completely worn through and the metal backing plate is contacting the disc — requiring immediate attention to prevent disc damage. Increased stopping distances, a brake warning light and pedal vibration can also indicate worn or deteriorated pads.
When Should the Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Brake pad life varies enormously depending on driving style, vehicle weight and pad compound — typically between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. Always replace pads in axle pairs (both front or both rear simultaneously). Have disc thickness measured at the same time. Replacement costs range from £80 to £200 per axle at an independent garage.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to your brake pads and are unsure whether it needs replacing, a free MotorLoom fault scan can help identify whether the component is likely at fault - giving you the most likely cause and estimated repair cost before you visit a garage.
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Related Parts
Other components that work alongside or are related to the brake pads: