Brake discs - features of operation and replacement

A modern car is literally crammed with all sorts of electronic options, a considerable part of which many car owners do not use. What can not be said about the brakes. The system is constantly needed and needs to be monitored. But, as practice shows, maintenance most often comes down to checking the fluid level in the tank and replacing the pads. What about a brake disc? This is also an important element of the system and an unexpected failure of it threatens an accident. When the element should be replaced, it is impossible to say for sure: the information is too different. Some sources indicate a mileage of 120-150 thousand km, in others, under certain operating conditions, even 50-70 thousand km.

How do you know when it's time to change discs?

The main load falls on the front wheels, which in most modern car models are leading. Accordingly, the brake discs wear out in the front in the first place. Malfunction symptoms:

• ✅ steering wheel beat, noise, pedal vibration, car pull during an emergency stop
  
• ✅ drop in the level of liquid in the tank
  
• ✅ longer and intermittent braking distance, sluggish response of the car when you press the pedal
  

Why brake discs wear out prematurely

There are plenty of reasons. Some are connected with the "human factor", others - with the design of the transmission, the weight of the machine, the quality of the installed parts and other nuances. Learn more about what shortens disk life:

• ✅ aggressive driving style, especially with frequent trips in the city
  
• ✅ operation of a car in mountainous areas, when the brakes are applied very often
  
• ✅ the presence of an automatic transmission in the car (there is no clutch, you have to press the brake pedal more often)
  
• ✅ use of solid discs (ventilated or perforated last longer)
  
• ✅ excessive pad stiffness
  
• ✅ malfunctions of the brake system (including low-quality working fluid)
  
• ✅ lack of ABS - it optimizes the pressure force of the pads on the disc, which prolongs its life
  

The rapid wear of the part can also be affected by constant trips through the mud - its particles will work as an abrasive. Non-professional installation of pads, corrosion due to climate conditions also do not increase the service life.

Determination of the degree of wear

The easiest way is to go to a service center where they will diagnose the brake system. However, if you have the time and desire, you can check the condition of the disks yourself. To do this, hang car and remove the wheel.

You will need a caliper to measure the disc thickness. Why is this parameter important? One of the tasks of a cast iron part is to dissipate the thermal energy that occurs during the friction of the pads. As the disc gets thinner, it overheats faster and eventually cracks. On parts from well-known brands, the permissible minimum thickness is sometimes set, which cannot be said about cheaper counterparts. In the latter case, you need to compare this parameter on a new spare part and a worn one. The difference should not exceed 3 mm.

Groove

Restoring the normal performance of a part involves removing a metal layer of 0,25-0,5 mm from it. The groove removes grooves and scuffs, scratches that can be easily identified by feeling the product. If the wear of the part does not exceed 1-1,5 mm, then there is a point in the groove. It is not recommended to restore overheated ("behaviored") disks. There is a great risk that after the groove they will again be bent. Operations should be subjected to parts on both sides of the axis.

Replacement

If the brake disc cannot be restored or the car owner does not want it, you will have to buy a set of new parts. And then there is the problem of choice. There are many manufacturers, a wide range, prices can vary greatly.

DBA

Considered one of the best in the world and priced accordingly. Are established on cars of a VIP segment. In the manufacture, Kangaroo Paw technology is used, which guarantees high-quality cooling of the part. The T-Slotted system is responsible for reducing the braking distance. Perforated notches reduce heat and wick away moisture.

FREMAX

Brazilian brand that successfully competes with European manufacturers. Officially supports Stock Car and Porsche GT3 Cup racing on its continent. The company's products are delivered to Mitsubishi conveyors. The peculiarity of the discs lies in their strength and long service life, which, according to the manufacturer, is at least 100 thousand kilometers.

ATE

A German company that has been producing car parts since 1906. The brand is well known in the world and the products are popular as high quality and reliable. Alloy cast iron brake discs produced by the company are installed on Toyota, BMW, VW, Ford, as well as domestic VAZs. The range includes products for budget cars and sports cars. Of the offered disks, the Powerdisk series stands out, which does not lose its original qualities at temperatures up to +800 C °.

Brembo

Products of an Italian company that produces almost all elements of the brake system. The company has 4 own laboratories. They control the quality of the products produced. The company has 19 branches around the world, its products are supplied to the conveyors of many automakers, including the Russian VAZ. Disks have an important feature - a slow wear rate. In-house development - PVT ventilation system: increases strength and promotes cooling. The finished product is treated by the manufacturer with special anti-corrosion compounds. The declared resource is at least 80 thousand kilometers.

ferodo

An English firm that has been operating since 1897. Today it produces brake discs, as well as other system elements for 98% of cars coming off the assembly line in Europe. The company's products are designed for cars of high and medium price segments. Due to the popularity of Ferodo, there are often fakes on the market.

Features of replacing brake discs

They need to be changed in pairs and together with the pads. Otherwise, there will be no uniform braking. The procedure itself is simple, but you will need a lot of tools and keys. Their number depends on the brand of car, the design of the brake mechanism. After removing the wheel, unscrew the caliper from the bracket, and it from the trunnion or steering knuckle. You may need some equipment here. On some machines, the bracket does not need to be removed. Along the way, inspect the anthers of the caliper pistons - they should be free of cracks, gusts. Further:

• ? using an impact screwdriver, unscrew the screws securing the disc to the hub and remove it
  
• ? new parts must be cleaned of the factory preservative grease before installation with a special aerosol (e.g. ASTROhim), which is free of chlorine and acetone
  
• ? on the reverse side, lubricate the disc with lithium compound so that it does not stick to the hub in the future.
  
• ? spread the pistons of the working cylinder so that they are recessed
  
• ? fix the caliper and insert new brake pads into it
  

After finishing work, press the pedal sharply several times and check the fluid level in the tank - it should be normal. For the first 200-300 km, avoid sudden braking so that the pads and disc get used to each other better.