Technicians estimate that in a moving vehicle the distribution of mass is 75% on the front axle and 25% on the rear axle. Therefore the front and rear brakes, brake pads and shoes should have different braking rates to avoid locking of the rear wheels.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/remsa\/wp-content\/uploads\/Esquema-fuerzas-proceso-frenado02_en.jpg\")
[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][text]\n
We recommend<\/h2>\n\n- Definition of brake.<\/a>
\nWikipedia<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-1-1″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n1.1 Let us look at the forces and moments acting in the braking process<\/h3>\n
![\"Automatic](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/media\/automatic-brake-system-1-1175x539.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nImage by Bob Rohrman Honda Blog <\/a><\/p>\nBraking force:<\/strong>\u00a0It is generated on the wheel surface when the wheels contact the road and when braking elements and engine power work together to slow down.<\/p>\nThe critical limit is the grip between the tyre and the road. If this limit is exceeded, the tyres will lock up and slip on the road surface, with terrible consequences.<\/p>\n
Rolling resistance:<\/strong>\u00a0They have little effect at low speeds, but they do have an effect at high speeds. For example, when we go from 80 km\/h to 160 km\/h, the aerodynamic drag goes from 40 kg of thrust to 160 kg.<\/p>\nAerodynamic actions:<\/strong>\u00a0Apenas inciden en velocidades bajas pero s\u00ed lo hacen en altas velocidades. Por ejemplo, si pasamos de 80 km\/h a 160 km\/h la resistencia aerodin\u00e1mica pasa de 40 kg de empuje a 160 kg.<\/p>\nEngine and transmission strength:<\/strong> This is another important element when braking a vehicle. When the engine is revving at high rpm, the vehicle slows down because the wheels are connected to the engine through the transmission.<\/p>\nRemember that on long descents, engine braking is very important to protect the brakes from overheating and wear. This effect is greater with diesel engines than with petrol engines because diesel engines have twice the compression ratio. [\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-1-2″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n
1.2 Most common brake problems<\/h3>\n
These are the most common problems:<\/p>\n
The brake pedal has more to travel: <\/strong>Cuando pisamos el pedal del freno \u00e9ste va hasta el fondo del recorrido sin oposici\u00f3n cuando lo normal es que vaya hasta la mitad.<\/p>\nThe pedal is spongy: <\/strong>This is when the brakes are slow to respond when you apply them. It feels looser and more spongy than usual and is slow to respond.<\/p>\nYou have to press harder to apply the brakes and so everything is inadequate.<\/p>\n
The pedal is very hard and you have to press a lot: <\/strong>The pedal does not respond to the usual pedal force. It remains rigid and does not yield to our impulse when we step on it.<\/p>\nThe pedal has less travel: <\/strong>When braking, you notice that the pedal moves less and does not return to its previous position.[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-1-2-5″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]A wheel is blocked: <\/strong>No matter how hard we apply the brakes, the wheel locks and we cannot manoeuvre our vehicle properly.<\/p>\nBrake pedal pulsation: <\/strong>You can feel vibrations when the brake pedal is depressed. They can be less noticeable or more severe.<\/p>\nLoss of efficiency during hot braking (fading): <\/strong>Brake fade occurs when the critical temperature point of the brake pads and discs is exceeded.<\/p>\nThe car swings to one side: <\/strong>\u202fWhen braking the car swings to the right or left. A sign that something is wrong with the brakes.<\/p>\nThe solutions to these problems can be found at\u00a0this link<\/strong><\/a>.[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][text]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/media\/problemas-mas-frecuentes-sistema-frenado.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDiagnosis and most common problems in a car braking system.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n2. Brake pads<\/h2>\n2.1 What are brake pads?<\/h3>\n
One of the fundamental elements in stopping a vehicle, as they provide the friction necessary on the brake discs to slow the vehicle down.<\/p>\n![\"Brake](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/media\/que-son-las-pastillas-de-freno-1-1175x698.jpg\")
\n
The materials that make up brake pads are:<\/p>\n
Fibres (10%):<\/strong>\u00a0The most commonly used are glass, aramid and rock wool.<\/p>\nMineral loads (27%):<\/strong>\u00a0They give consistency to the assembly and resistance to abrasion. The most common are: barite, magnesite, talc, mica, carbonate, feldspar and others.<\/p>\nMetals (15%):\u00a0<\/strong>Used in powder or chip form to homogenise the coefficient of friction and heat transfer from the pad to the calliper. They are brass, copper or bronze.<\/p>\nLubricants (20%):<\/strong>\u00a0They vary the coefficient of friction, usually downwards. They are used in powder form and are usually graphites, cokes, sulphides, anthracites, etc.<\/p>\nOrganic binders (20%):<\/strong>\u00a0They agglomerate the other materials when they reach certain temperatures. The most important are thermosetting phenolic resins, but various types of rubber, waxes, oils, etc. are also used.<\/p>\nAbrasives (8%):<\/strong>\u00a0They increase the coefficient of friction and renew and clean the surface of the disc, allowing the formation of the so-called third layer, the intermediate layer.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/remsa\/wp-content\/uploads\/composicion-pastillas-freno-en.jpg\")
[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-2″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n
2.2 Basic characteristics of brake pads<\/h3>\n
A quality pad requires the following characteristics:<\/p>\n
Have an adequate coefficient of friction<\/strong> that is stable at all temperatures and pressures.<\/p>\nMaintain a balance<\/strong> between abrasion and wear resistance.<\/p>\nThe pad material must absorb vibrations<\/strong> and irregularities of the other surface with which it comes into contact, which requires a certain degree of compressibility, both hot and cold.<\/p>\nHave good shock<\/strong> and cut resistance.<\/p>\n2.3 Brake pad components<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/remsa\/wp-content\/uploads\/dibujo-pastilla-freno-underlayer-en.jpg\")
Underlayer:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a layer of material that holds the friction elements in place and reduces the temperature that reaches the caliper. It is an additional element that can be avoided in the process.<\/p>\nThe support<\/strong>: This is a metal part that holds the friction material in the brake pad holder of the calipers. It should be as flat as possible to avoid cracks between the support and the friction material.<\/p>\nNoise-absorbing films:<\/strong>\u00a0As the name suggests, these accessories prevent noise by absorbing the vibrations caused by the contact between the pad and the disc.<\/p>\nSprings:<\/strong>\u00a0These allow the pads to move slightly during braking to absorb the vibrations.<\/p>\nAcoustic warning devices:<\/strong>\u00a0These are millimetre-sized strips that rub against the disc when the pad is worn and make a constant squeaking noise, warning that the pads need to be replaced.<\/p>\nIlluminated warning light:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a conductive cable which, when rubbed against the disc, lights up to warn you that the pads need to be replaced.<\/p>\n2.4 What the brake caliper- pad tandem looks like<\/h3>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/media\/tandem-pinza-pastilla-1175x698.jpg\")
\n
Here are the components that make the brake caliper-pad assembly so important:<\/p>\n
\n- The caliper body<\/strong>\u00a0provides rigidity and supports the pads.<\/li>\n
- The pistons<\/strong>\u00a0press the pads against the disc.<\/li>\n
- The vent<\/strong>\u00a0opens the assembly and allows air to escape from the circuit.<\/li>\n
- The clips<\/strong>\u00a0hold the pins in place and prevent them from slipping out.<\/li>\n
- The pins<\/strong>\u00a0hold the pads in place and act as a guide.<\/li>\n
- The brake pads<\/strong>\u00a0rub against the disc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][box_twitter]\u00abMany problems with brake pads and discs could be avoided by paying attention to assembly and visual inspection of the brake components.\u00bb[\/box_twitter][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-5″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n
2.5 Things to remember when removing and fitting brake pads<\/h3>\n
This is an operation that requires dexterity because it is very important and any failure will have consequences on the vehicle\u2019s\u00a0braking system<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>with corresponding safety and economic implications.<\/p>\nWe must therefore remember that:<\/p>\n
\n- It is always necessary to <\/span>replace the brake pads on both wheels<\/span><\/b> of the same axle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- We must use brake pads suitable<\/span><\/b> for the vehicle model.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- The pads <\/span>must always be new<\/span><\/b>. Do not use material that has already been used.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- The pads and <\/span>discs must not come into contact<\/span><\/b> with lubricants, grease, animal products or cleaning agents, as this may cause the brake system to fail. In this case, the material must be replaced.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Use suitable tools<\/span><\/b>. For example, they must not have sharp edges that could damage the brake pads. The manufacturer will specify the type of tightening for which a torque wrench must be used.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Never use compressed air<\/span><\/b> to clean the brakes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fine dust can be harmful<\/span><\/b> if inhaled; so take care not to create it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Use a mask <\/span><\/b>if there is no good ventilation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Watch out for brake fluid leaks<\/span><\/b> as this can cause extensive damage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- When the operation is complete, <\/span>check that the brake system is functioning<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][text]\n\n
We recommend<\/h2>\n
Always have your brake pads removed and fitted by a workshop you trust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-6″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n
2.6 Pad wear problems<\/h3>\n
No two pads wear the same,<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and they may even wear asymmetrically. Let us look at the causes:<\/p>\n\n- The inner pad wears faster<\/span><\/b> because it is closer to the piston and comes into contact with the disc sooner. The outer pad only comes into contact indirectly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- If the difference in <\/span>wear difference is exaggerated<\/span><\/b>, the brake system should be checked, as some parts of the system (cylinder piston or caliper pins) may be affected.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- If <\/span>the brake cylinder<\/span><\/b> is not properly maintained, the piston rubber may break and the piston barrel may rust from the inside. Remember that the pistons drive the brake pads so that they rub against the discs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u202fIf the guide pin of the <\/span>brake caliper is rusted<\/span><\/b> the movement of the calipers will be affected and the braking forces will be unevenly distributed, resulting in wear of the brake pads.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Another cause of wear is <\/span>failure to maintain the brake calipers<\/span><\/b>,<\/span><\/b> which can lead to corrosion and poor piston return, resulting in overheating. In addition, this corrosion can affect the movement of the piston, delaying braking.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][text]
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/media\/problemas-desgaste-pastilla-freno.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhy do the brake pads wear unevenly?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-7″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n2.7 When should the brake pads be changed?<\/h3>\n
This is a recurring question when it comes to vehicle braking systems. We must remember that\u00a0excessive wear <\/a><\/strong>\u00a0on brake pads and discs can lead to serious risks, which are best avoided.<\/p>\n\n- When <\/span>we drive <\/span><\/b>on mountain roads or with heavy loads, we must remember that the braking effort is greater and we should check the brakes more often.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Do not exceed 20,000 kilometres<\/span><\/b> without servicing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- When the pad thickness is reduced to 2-3 mm,<\/span><\/b> it is necessary to replace the pad.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remember that the <\/span>front pads wear out sooner than<\/span><\/b> than the rear ones.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Keep an eye on the <\/span>warning light on the dashboard <\/span><\/b>and when it comes on, change them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Listen for a <\/span>metallic sound when braking<\/span><\/b> as this is a sign that the brake pads are worn.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- We must <\/span>change the pads on the same axle at the same time<\/span><\/b>,<\/span><\/b> both left and right.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- After changing the brake pads, we must be aware that they need a <\/span>period of acclimatisation<\/span><\/b> to achieve optimum performance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- We will choose <\/span>reliable manufacturers<\/span><\/b> who guarantee quality.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][text]
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fmgbrakes.com\/media\/cuando-cambiar-pastillas-freno.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWikipedia<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-1-1″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n
1.1 Let us look at the forces and moments acting in the braking process<\/h3>\n
Image by Bob Rohrman Honda Blog <\/a><\/p>\n Braking force:<\/strong>\u00a0It is generated on the wheel surface when the wheels contact the road and when braking elements and engine power work together to slow down.<\/p>\n The critical limit is the grip between the tyre and the road. If this limit is exceeded, the tyres will lock up and slip on the road surface, with terrible consequences.<\/p>\n Rolling resistance:<\/strong>\u00a0They have little effect at low speeds, but they do have an effect at high speeds. For example, when we go from 80 km\/h to 160 km\/h, the aerodynamic drag goes from 40 kg of thrust to 160 kg.<\/p>\n Aerodynamic actions:<\/strong>\u00a0Apenas inciden en velocidades bajas pero s\u00ed lo hacen en altas velocidades. Por ejemplo, si pasamos de 80 km\/h a 160 km\/h la resistencia aerodin\u00e1mica pasa de 40 kg de empuje a 160 kg.<\/p>\n Engine and transmission strength:<\/strong> This is another important element when braking a vehicle. When the engine is revving at high rpm, the vehicle slows down because the wheels are connected to the engine through the transmission.<\/p>\n Remember that on long descents, engine braking is very important to protect the brakes from overheating and wear. This effect is greater with diesel engines than with petrol engines because diesel engines have twice the compression ratio. [\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-1-2″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n These are the most common problems:<\/p>\n The brake pedal has more to travel: <\/strong>Cuando pisamos el pedal del freno \u00e9ste va hasta el fondo del recorrido sin oposici\u00f3n cuando lo normal es que vaya hasta la mitad.<\/p>\n The pedal is spongy: <\/strong>This is when the brakes are slow to respond when you apply them. It feels looser and more spongy than usual and is slow to respond.<\/p>\n You have to press harder to apply the brakes and so everything is inadequate.<\/p>\n The pedal is very hard and you have to press a lot: <\/strong>The pedal does not respond to the usual pedal force. It remains rigid and does not yield to our impulse when we step on it.<\/p>\n The pedal has less travel: <\/strong>When braking, you notice that the pedal moves less and does not return to its previous position.[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-1-2-5″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]A wheel is blocked: <\/strong>No matter how hard we apply the brakes, the wheel locks and we cannot manoeuvre our vehicle properly.<\/p>\n Brake pedal pulsation: <\/strong>You can feel vibrations when the brake pedal is depressed. They can be less noticeable or more severe.<\/p>\n Loss of efficiency during hot braking (fading): <\/strong>Brake fade occurs when the critical temperature point of the brake pads and discs is exceeded.<\/p>\n The car swings to one side: <\/strong>\u202fWhen braking the car swings to the right or left. A sign that something is wrong with the brakes.<\/p>\n The solutions to these problems can be found at\u00a0this link<\/strong><\/a>.[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][text] Diagnosis and most common problems in a car braking system.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n One of the fundamental elements in stopping a vehicle, as they provide the friction necessary on the brake discs to slow the vehicle down.<\/p>\n The materials that make up brake pads are:<\/p>\n Fibres (10%):<\/strong>\u00a0The most commonly used are glass, aramid and rock wool.<\/p>\n Mineral loads (27%):<\/strong>\u00a0They give consistency to the assembly and resistance to abrasion. The most common are: barite, magnesite, talc, mica, carbonate, feldspar and others.<\/p>\n Metals (15%):\u00a0<\/strong>Used in powder or chip form to homogenise the coefficient of friction and heat transfer from the pad to the calliper. They are brass, copper or bronze.<\/p>\n Lubricants (20%):<\/strong>\u00a0They vary the coefficient of friction, usually downwards. They are used in powder form and are usually graphites, cokes, sulphides, anthracites, etc.<\/p>\n Organic binders (20%):<\/strong>\u00a0They agglomerate the other materials when they reach certain temperatures. The most important are thermosetting phenolic resins, but various types of rubber, waxes, oils, etc. are also used.<\/p>\n Abrasives (8%):<\/strong>\u00a0They increase the coefficient of friction and renew and clean the surface of the disc, allowing the formation of the so-called third layer, the intermediate layer.<\/p>\n A quality pad requires the following characteristics:<\/p>\n Have an adequate coefficient of friction<\/strong> that is stable at all temperatures and pressures.<\/p>\n Maintain a balance<\/strong> between abrasion and wear resistance.<\/p>\n The pad material must absorb vibrations<\/strong> and irregularities of the other surface with which it comes into contact, which requires a certain degree of compressibility, both hot and cold.<\/p>\n Have good shock<\/strong> and cut resistance.<\/p>\n The support<\/strong>: This is a metal part that holds the friction material in the brake pad holder of the calipers. It should be as flat as possible to avoid cracks between the support and the friction material.<\/p>\n Noise-absorbing films:<\/strong>\u00a0As the name suggests, these accessories prevent noise by absorbing the vibrations caused by the contact between the pad and the disc.<\/p>\n Springs:<\/strong>\u00a0These allow the pads to move slightly during braking to absorb the vibrations.<\/p>\n Acoustic warning devices:<\/strong>\u00a0These are millimetre-sized strips that rub against the disc when the pad is worn and make a constant squeaking noise, warning that the pads need to be replaced.<\/p>\n Illuminated warning light:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a conductive cable which, when rubbed against the disc, lights up to warn you that the pads need to be replaced.<\/p>\n Here are the components that make the brake caliper-pad assembly so important:<\/p>\n This is an operation that requires dexterity because it is very important and any failure will have consequences on the vehicle\u2019s\u00a0braking system<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>with corresponding safety and economic implications.<\/p>\n We must therefore remember that:<\/p>\n Always have your brake pads removed and fitted by a workshop you trust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-6″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n No two pads wear the same,<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and they may even wear asymmetrically. Let us look at the causes:<\/p>\n Why do the brake pads wear unevenly?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n[\/text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-7″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n This is a recurring question when it comes to vehicle braking systems. We must remember that\u00a0excessive wear <\/a><\/strong>\u00a0on brake pads and discs can lead to serious risks, which are best avoided.<\/p>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n1.2 Most common brake problems<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Brake pads<\/h2>\n
2.1 What are brake pads?<\/h3>\n
\n[\/text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”punto-2-2″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][text]\n2.2 Basic characteristics of brake pads<\/h3>\n
2.3 Brake pad components<\/h3>\n
Underlayer:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a layer of material that holds the friction elements in place and reduces the temperature that reaches the caliper. It is an additional element that can be avoided in the process.<\/p>\n2.4 What the brake caliper- pad tandem looks like<\/h3>\n
\n\n
2.5 Things to remember when removing and fitting brake pads<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
We recommend<\/h2>\n
2.6 Pad wear problems<\/h3>\n
\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2.7 When should the brake pads be changed?<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
<\/a><\/p>\n