Can brake pads carbonize? You really need to know this knowledge

Can brake pads carbonize? You really need to know this knowledge

In our daily use of cars, braking should be one of the most frequently used functions. However, as a mechanical component, we will encounter one or another problems, such as noise, shaking, peculiar smell, smoking, etc.

But is it strange that some people say "my brake pads are burnt"? This is the so-called brake pad "carbonization"!

Now let's explain specifically what is brake pad "carbonization"

The friction components of brake pads are made of various metal fibers, organics, resin fibers and adhesives through high temperature reaction die casting. Automobile braking is carried out by friction between brake pads and brake discs, and friction will inevitably produce heat energy.

When the temperature reaches a certain value, we will find that the brake smokes and has a pungent smell like burning plastic. When the temperature exceeds the high-temperature critical point of the brake pad, the brake pad contains carbon containing organic matter such as phenolic resin, styrene butadiene masterbatch, hard ester acid, etc. hydrogen and oxygen are removed in the form of water molecules, and finally only a few carbon mixtures such as phosphorus and silicon are left! So it looks gray black after carbonization. In other words, it is "scorched".

Consequences of brake pad "carbonization"

1. With the carbonization of the brake pad, the friction material of the brake pad will become powder and fall quickly until it is completely burned out. At this time, the braking effect will gradually weaken;

2. The brake disc is oxidized at high temperature (that is, our common brake pads are blue and purple) and deformed, which will cause vibration and abnormal noise at the rear of the car when braking at high speed

3. The high temperature causes the deformation of the seal of the brake cylinder and the rise of the brake oil temperature. In serious cases, the brake cylinder can be damaged and unable to brake.

Causes and solutions of brake pad carbonization

Since the carbonization of brake pads will lead to various potential safety hazards, it will endanger driving safety in serious cases. So what caused it?

① Cause: the newly replaced brake pad is thick, or the wrong brake pad model is installed

Solution: install the correct type of brake pad. After replacing the brake pad, rotate the brake disc by hand to check whether there is jamming before commissioning.

② Cause: the high temperature resistance of the brake pad is unqualified. According to the national standard, the suitable working temperature of automobile brake pad is 100 ~ 350 ℃. However, there are still low-quality brake pads on the market that carbonize at 250 ℃, and the friction coefficient decreases rapidly.

Solution: install qualified brake pad products.

③ Causes: abnormal return of brake pad cylinder, brake pad stuck in caliper groove or caliper guide pin stuck, resulting in drag braking.

Solution: check the brake system and clean and maintain the relevant accessories with the brake Maintenance Kit.

④ Cause: continuous downhill and long-time braking during driving.

Solution: when going downhill continuously, lower the gear and turn on the auxiliary brake to control the speed. Do not step on the brake continuously. If you want to step on it, it will take immediate effect; The main reason for brake failure is that the brake is used too often and the brake pad is too hot, resulting in brake failure. Therefore, when driving downhill in mountainous areas, do not step on the brake continuously, and try to use the spot brake to prevent the brake from overheating and causing brake failure.

⑤ Cause: forget to put down the handbrake.

Solution: carefully check the vehicle prompts before driving, and put down the handbrake. Many cars now have automatic parking function to avoid such problems.