Your brake pads are responsible for creating the friction that helps stop your car whenever you step on the brake pedal. Unfortunately, they naturally wear over time and will no longer be able to generate friction as effectively. In some cases, they can even separate from the brake plate, compromising your braking performance and safety.
What Is Brake Pad Delamination?
Brake pad delamination is when the friction lining on a disc brake pad separates from the brake plate or backing plate. Whenever you step on the brake pedal, the brake system pushes the brake pads against the brake rotors. If the friction lining on the brake pad breaks, the piston pushing on the brake pad has to push past the space where the lining used to be. This increases brake pedal travel, making it harder to stop your vehicle.
What Causes Brake Pad Delamination?
If your brake pad has separated from the brake plate, then these are the most common reasons why:
Rust Jacking
Rust jacking occurs when rust builds up between the backing plate and the friction lining as a result of the oxide layer found in low-grade black steel. When the oxide layer isn’t removed during the manufacturing process, it remains trapped underneath the lining material. Over time, it starts to rust, causing the disc brake plate and friction lining to separate.
Poorly Manufactured Brake Pads
Poorly made brake pads with no good formulation or positive molding will almost certainly lead to brake pad delamination. With some manufacturers cutting costs, the friction lining of low-quality brake pads tends to have low density. Moisture can get trapped in the pores and cracks of the lining, leading to corrosion.
How To Prevent Brake Pad Delamination
In order to stay safe on the road, the brake pads on your car should always be in good condition. Here are some tips on how to prevent brake pad delamination:
Invest in High-Quality Brake Pads
A great way to prevent brake pad delamination is to invest in high-quality brake pads. Look for brake pads that are made of superior steel plates and premium stainless steel with great corrosion resistance.
Replace Brake Pads When They’re Half-Worn
After brake pads lose around half of their thickness, they tend to wear faster. The lower half of the pad wears around three to five times faster than the first half, so it’s a good idea to replace your brake pads even if they’re only half-worn.
Park Indoors
As much as possible, park your vehicle in a garage or anywhere that’s dry. Leaving your vehicle exposed to the elements increases the risk of brake pad delamination.
Wash Your Car Regularly in the Winter
During the winter, be sure to wash your car regularly. Road salt can stick to your brake components, causing rust to build up and damage the entire system. Regularly washing your vehicle removes road salt buildup, which helps prevent brake pad delamination.
Signs That Your Brake Pad Is Separating From the Brake Plate
Here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for if you think your brake pad might be separating from the backing plate:
Increased Noise, Vibration, and Harshness
Have you noticed any unusual noises lately? When the corrosion on the backing plate causes the friction lining to crumble, you’ll likely notice an increase in noise, vibration, and harshness while you’re driving.
Increased Brake Pedal Travel
The piston pushing on the brake pad has to cover a longer distance, the entire brake system is destabilized, increasing the brake pedal travel necessary to stop the vehicle. This can cause your brake pedal to feel as if it’s sinking rapidly while braking or sitting lower than usual.
Is It Safe To Drive With Brake Pad Separation?
Brake pad delamination is one of the major causes of brake failure, so it’s best to avoid driving until you get a replacement for your brake pads.
How Much Does a Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
The exact price of a brake pad replacement can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $1200 for a brake pad set.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
