Brake Disc
Brake disc, also known as brake rotor, is an essential part of the disc braking system in most vehicles nowadays.
Mounting on the front axle and often on the rear axle as well. Working alongside brake pads and calipers. When braking, the force of the braking system is transmitted hydraulically to the caliper, brake pads then tighten, making contact with the brake disc. Friction between the pads and the disc slows down the wheel, which then stops the car. As simple as that!
Design
The friction needed to stop the car will of course generate heat, that’s why most disc brakes are vented. Some are even drilled and slotted. What’s the difference between drilled/slotted discs versus standard discs you asked? The presence of holes or slots on a brake disc enable a higher friction coefficient, which then provides better grip as well as a more responsive and effective braking system. While standard discs still do the job, they’re more affordable and possibly have a higher cost to price value in general.
How to tell if a Brake Disc has gone bad & When to change it out?
Brake disc is the very crucial part of your car’s braking system and it also goes through a lot of wear and tear every day. If not paid attention to, the damage could be extremely costly and dangerous, therefore, it’s recommended that you check your car’s brakes twice a year for wear and damage. A visual check can be helpful too! Every now and then, look through the spokes of the car’s wheel for any abnormal signs, check on the thickness of discs and pads, if less than suggested, change it out immediately.
Signs of a failing Brake Disc
Brake Lights On
When the dashboard light is on it’s always a good idea to check on it. But if there isn’t a brake sensor on your vehicle, just remember to make a visual check-up on it once a while and pay attention to the signs below…
Vibration
Discs (or rotors) need to remain smooth for optimal braking experience. If you feel your car vibrating as you brake, it is a sign that your brake discs might have an uneven surface or abnormally worn. An uneven rotor surface may also cause the rotor to hit one of the brake pads as it spins, causing some of the pad material to transfer onto the rotor in that spot. Then you’ll feel shaking when braking, as the pad hits that bump in the rotor. And a pulsating sensation occurred when stepping on the brake pedal is also a possible sign of damaged, warped rotors.
Noise
A loud screeching sound is a warning that brake pads may need replacing. If you wait too long to replace the pads, the screeching noise will eventually become a grinding noise which means the brake pads have worn down completely, and can potentially damage the brake disc.
