How to Inspect Brake Pads

Part of the Video Series How to Install Car Brakes

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Repairing or changing brake pads? Learn how to inspect the brake pads first with expert auto maintenance tips in this free car repair video clip.

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Tags: auto, brake pads, brakes, car, rotors
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Video Transcript

How to Inspect Brake Pads
Hi! My name is Nate McCullough on behalf of expertvillage.com. In this clip we are going to talk about the proper way to inspect your brake pads. This is an access hole right here. They put that in there on purpose so the pad thickness can be viewed. On this particular vehicle, inboard brake pad is down 100 percent. It's virtually grinding. All that is left here is the steel backing. I have a new pad here to show you and you can see the difference. This is the steel backing and this is your friction material here. As you look, there are no friction material left. All the life of the pads are used up. There are a couple of things you want to look for when you are inspecting your brake pads. One of them is any indication of binding on the slides. These pads ride on the caliper bridge on the top and the bottom and are pushed in by the caliper piston when you apply the brake. If they are binding, you will begin to see that these metal shims will get wrinkled. These aren't binding but if they are that indicates a corrosion problem in these areas and will require cleaning. This looks pretty good. Pretty much what we have is normal wear and tear on the vehicle and it needs the pads replaced.

About the Expert

Expert: Nathan McCullough graduated from Nashville Auto-Diesel College with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 and received their craftsmanship award and honor seal. Read More