Do the brake pads need cleaning?

Brake pads apply friction to brakes, and this process inevitably generates dust. Therefore, seeing black brake dust on the wheels is normal. Cleaning your brake pads is more of a maintenance and inspection than a daily cleaning procedure. However, it's not a routine cleaning like washing your car; rather, it's necessary to perform inspections and maintenance in specific situations.

1. When do you need to clean your brake pads?

When changing tires or wheels: This is the ideal time. When the tires are removed, the brake system is fully exposed, making it easy to inspect and perform minor cleanings.

If you hear unusual noises: A sharp, grating metallic sound when braking may be caused by the brake pad wear indicator contacting the brake disc, or by small stones or metal shavings embedded in the brake pads.

If you experience brake shudder or uneven feel: If the steering wheel or brake pedal shudders when braking, it may be due to an uneven brake disc surface or foreign matter or oil on the brake pads, causing uneven contact.

After brake performance deteriorates: If you feel a softening or reduced braking feel after driving on sandy or muddy roads or through water, it could be due to debris like sand getting between the brake pads and discs.

During routine maintenance: Every 10,000 or 20,000 kilometers, a professional technician will remove the tires to inspect the brake system and clean it as needed.

2. Why clean the brake pads?

Removing brake dust: Excessive brake dust accumulates on the wheels and calipers, not only affecting appearance but, in extreme cases, affecting heat dissipation or even causing a loose fit between the wheel and tire.

Checking for safety hazards: The cleaning process itself is a detailed inspection, revealing any uneven wear, cracks, uneven wear on the brake pads, or poor lubrication of the caliper guide pins.

Eliminating noise and vibration: Removing small stones and hardened debris embedded in the brake pads can effectively eliminate noise and reduce vibration caused by unclean contact surfaces.

Ensure optimal braking performance: Ensure clean, complete contact between the brake pads and brake discs to maintain optimal braking force.

3. How to properly clean and maintain brake pads?

The brake system is a matter of life and death. If you are not a professional, it is recommended that you leave this work to a reliable repair shop or dealership. If you have sufficient automotive knowledge and tools, you can refer to the following steps:

Safety First:
Park the vehicle on a flat, firm surface, apply the parking brake, and secure the diagonal wheels with wheel chocks.
Wait for the vehicle to cool completely! The brake system can be extremely hot after a recent drive and can easily cause burns.
Removing the wheel: Jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel to fully expose the brake calipers and brake pads.

Cleaning and Inspection:
Use a specialized cleaner: Spray the brake calipers, brake pads, and brake discs with a cleaner specifically formulated for the brake system. Never use ordinary cleaning agents, carburetor cleaners, or soapy water, as these can corrode rubber components (such as the dust boots) and cause the calipers to stick or leak. Brushing: Use a stiff-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) to carefully scrub areas prone to dust accumulation, such as the caliper bracket and the ends of the brake pads.

Inspection: During the cleaning process, carefully check:
The remaining thickness of the brake pad is within a safe range (usually no less than 4-5 mm).
The brake pad is evenly worn.
The brake disc is free of deep grooves, cracks, or abnormal wear.
The caliper guide pins slide smoothly.

Installation and Reset: Reassemble all components as they were originally assembled, ensuring they are securely installed. For disc brakes, before installing the wheel, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm to restore brake pedal travel.