- Your brake pedal is vibrating — Brake pedal vibration points to worn brake pads, but it also indicates issues with your rotor. Pedal vibration can make it harder to brake and can increase stopping time. If you feel your brake pedal vibrating, it’s likely time to think about replacing your brakes.
When Should I Change My Rotors?
Rotors are what physically bring your car to a stop when the brake pads clamp down on them. They’re disposable and have a wide range of life expectancies anywhere between 15,000 and 70,000 miles. Brake pads play a big role in determining how long a brake rotor will last. Every time a pad clamps down on a rotor, it erodes part of that rotor, visible in the form of brake dust. Aggressive pads with a large clamping force will wear away rotors far faster than other pads.
- Rotors are stained or “dishing” — There are a number of visual signs that can tell you it’s time to replace your rotors. Blue rings and spotting begin to appear when your rotors are unable to effectively dissipate heat. “Dishing” takes place when your rotors are worn away unevenly. This can result in your rotors having a slightly concave surface. You can touch your rotors (after they’ve cooled down) to check them for dishing.
- The steering wheel shudders — Shudder—a pulsing vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel—is a sign that your rotors need to be replaced. Shudder often takes place when rotors in poor condition are warped. Brake pads make contact with the rotor across its uneven contour, causing a pulsing shudder. Shudder might also indicate unbalanced tires, so be sure to check for other signs of rotor wear before replacing them.
When Should I Change My Brake Calipers?
Your brake calipers house the brake pads. Hydraulic pressure on the calipers is what actually causes the brake pads to clamp on the rotor. Calipers are built to handle the stress, but their seals are made of rubber and will harden and break down over time. You should start thinking about replacing your calipers every five to 10 years to be safe. But how can you tell when your calipers are worn out?
- Calipers show signs of corrosion — If your car is five to seven years old and has more than 70,000 miles on it, it’s a good idea to give your calipers a careful inspection to see what condition they’re in. Corrosion is the biggest risk when it comes to calipers. Because of the extreme conditions they operate in, any moisture that builds up in and around your calipers turns to steam, then condenses again. Steam and constant temperature changes corrode the caliper assembly and attack the seals. If there are clear signs of corrosion, rust or leakage you’ll want to replace your calipers, even if you aren’t experiencing brake issues.
- Car drifts while braking — Drifting to one side while braking is a dangerous consequence of worn-out brake calipers. Worn calipers seize up, causing brake pads to apply pressure unevenly to rotors. This can cause your car to move unprompted toward one side or the other when breaking. If you ever experience this, new calipers—and possibly a whole new brake assembly—are likely required.
Your car’s brake assembly works under tremendous pressure and heat. Every time you hit the brakes, you’re wearing out your braking parts a little more. Your brakes will give you clear signals that it’s time to replace them, though, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for signs that your assembly needs attention.
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