Brake Pad Function

Brake lining by friction conversion car's kinetic energy into heat. Two brake pads are included in the brake caliper with their friction surface in the face of the rotor. When the brake hydraulic applications, caliper clamp or squeeze the two pieces together into a slow rotation of the rotor/stop the vehicle. When a brake pad is heated by contact with the rotor, it sends a small amount of friction material on the CD, the dark grey. Brake block and plate (both present and friction material), then the "sticky" to each other, to provide friction to stop the vehicle. Brake linings convert the kinetic energy of a car into heat through friction.  Each brake caliper contains two brake pads with friction surfaces facing the rotor.  When hydraulic pressure is applied to the brakes, the caliper clamps or squeezes the two pads together, causing the rotor to slow down or stop the vehicle.

As the brake pad comes into contact with the rotor and heats up, a small amount of friction material is transferred onto the rotor's surface, creating a dark grey coating.  The brake pad and rotor then become "sticky" to each other, providing the necessary friction to stop the vehicle.

In disc brake systems, there are usually two brake pads per disc rotor, which remain in place and are actuated by a fixed caliper attached to the hub or suspension column.  However, racing calipers may use up to six brake pads with a crisscross pattern to achieve optimal friction performance.

The wear rate of the brake pads may vary depending on the material used.  Typically, brake pads need to be replaced periodically, depending on the type of cushion material.  Most brake pads are equipped with a warning system to alert drivers when replacement is necessary.  This can include a small groove in the center of the pad that disappears as the pad nears the end of its lifespan.  Alternatively, some brake pads have a thin metal strip that emits a loud squealing sound when it becomes exposed due to wear.  Some vehicles also have a closed circuit with soft metal embedded in the brake pads, which triggers a warning light on the dashboard when the pads become too thin.