Understanding the Causes of Angled Brake Pad Wear
Experiencing uneven or angled wear on your brake pads can be a sign of underlying issues within your vehicle’s braking system. Identifying the root causes is essential to prevent further damage and ensure optimal safety and performance. This comprehensive guide explores the primary reasons behind brake pads wearing at an angle and provides effective solutions to address each problem.
Common Causes of Brake Pads Wearing at an Angle
Misaligned Brake Calipers
- Misalignment of brake calipers often results from damaged mounting brackets, improper installation, or corrosion. When calipers are not properly aligned, they exert uneven pressure on the brake pads, leading to angled wear patterns.
- To repair misaligned calipers, elevate your vehicle securely on jack stands, remove the wheels, and inspect the caliper mounting points. Tighten or replace loose or damaged mounting bolts, and verify that the caliper slides freely on its guide pins. Lubricate or replace sticky guide pins to ensure smooth operation.
Worn or Damaged Steering and Suspension Components
- Damaged or worn suspension parts, such as ball joints, control arms, or tie rods, can cause the wheels to misalign. This misalignment leads to uneven contact between brake pads and rotors, resulting in angled wear.
- To resolve this, lift the vehicle, remove the wheels, and thoroughly inspect suspension components for cracks, rust, or looseness. Replace any compromised parts with high-quality replacements and have the vehicle’s wheel alignment checked and corrected by a professional.
Incorrect Installation of Brake Pads
- Installing brake pads incorrectly — such as using the wrong type, improper orientation, or failing to secure retention clips — can cause uneven wear patterns. This misfit prevents even contact with the rotor surface.
- To fix this, remove the wheels and carefully re-install the brake pads following the manufacturer’s specifications. Ensure that the pads are the correct model for your vehicle, aligned properly, and securely fastened. Use specialized tools like C-clamps or spreaders if necessary to achieve proper fitment.
Uneven Surface of Brake Rotors
- Warped, scored, or pitted rotors create irregular contact zones, which accelerate uneven brake pad wear. Such surface irregularities can be caused by excessive heat, debris, or corrosion.
- Address this by first inspecting the rotors for signs of warping or damage. Minor warping can often be corrected with a rotor straightening tool, but severely damaged rotors should be replaced. Regularly resurfacing or replacing rotors ensures smooth, consistent contact with the brake pads.
Frequently Asked Questions about Angled Brake Pad Wear
What symptoms indicate brake pads are wearing at an angle?
- Common signs include a pulsating or vibrating sensation during braking, uneven brake pad thickness, and a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side when applying the brakes. You might also notice increased stopping distances or a squealing noise when braking.
Is it safe to continue driving with brake pads wearing at an angle?
- Driving with unevenly worn brake pads is risky, as it can compromise braking efficiency and lead to further damage to rotors and calipers. It is advisable to have your braking system inspected and repaired promptly to ensure safety and prevent costly repairs later.