Brake pads are friction materials that press against the brake rotors to slow or stop your vehicle when you hit the brakes.
But what happens when these pads crack?
They won’t be able to grip the rotor properly, leading to longer stopping distances, reduced braking performance, and a lot of screeching.
Ignore it and risk damaging your rotors or, even worse, your road safety.
But don’t worry.
We’ll explore the signs of cracked brake pads so you can spot one before it’s too late. We’ll also find out why brake pads crack and how to fix them.
This Article Contains:
- What Are the Signs of Worn or Cracked Brake Pads?
- What Are the Causes of Cracked Brake Pads?
- When Should You Replace Your Brake Pads?
- Is it Safe to Drive With Cracked Brake Pads?
- How to Maintain Your Brake Pads
- 3 FAQs on Brake Pads
What Are the Signs of Worn or Cracked Brake Pads?
Cracked brake pads often point to a sticky caliper, a stubborn parking brake, a bad brake hose, or brakes that have been pushed past their limit.
Here are some warning signs that indicate a worn or cracked brake pad:
1. Unusual Noise From the Brakes
Vehicles with brake pad wear indicators usually produce a high-pitched squealing or screeching sound when you need new brake pads. These indicators can be:
- Mechanical: A mechanical pad wear indicator uses a small spring-steel tab attached to the brake pad’s backing plate. When the pad material wears down to a certain point, the tab contacts the brake rotor, creating a squealing noise to alert the driver.
- Electrical: This indicator features a sensor embedded in the pad. When the pad wears down, the sensor circuit breaks, triggering a brake warning light on the dashboard.
A deep grinding or growling noise cues that the brake pads have worn away entirely. In such cases, the metal backing plate can grind directly against the rotor or drum, damaging the braking system.
NOTE: In some cases, the brake pads may produce temporary squealing noises when exposed to wet conditions, which is normal. If the brake pads are still thick, the noise should disappear after the pads have dried out.
The fix: If the squealing is caused by debris, the mechanic will clean the brakes to resolve the issue. If the brake pads are worn, the mechanic will replace them.
2. Illuminated Dashboard Warning Light
In vehicles with electronic brake pad wear sensors, a warning light on the dashboard typically indicates that the brake pads have worn down and need replacement.
The fix: The mechanic will first check the brake fluid level, examine the brake pads, and replace them if worn.
In most modern vehicles, brake pad wear sensors are built into the pads and get replaced along with them. However, if the sensors are separate components, the mechanic will check and replace them separately.
3. Outer Pad Wear
Outboard or outer pad wear occurs when the pad remains in contact with the rotor after releasing the caliper. This is usually caused by faulty brake components, such as worn bushings, sticking caliper guide pins, or corroded slide pins, which prevent the caliper from retracting properly.
The fix: The mechanic will replace the faulty caliper and brake pad.
4. Inner Pad Wear
Inner pad wear refers to excessive wear on the inboard side of the pad, typically caused when the caliper piston fails to fully retract after braking. This can happen due to a sticking piston, corroded components, worn seals, or hydraulic issues.
In some cases, a faulty master cylinder may also cause residual pressure, leading to continuous contact between the pad and rotor.
The fix: The mechanic will replace the brake pad as well as check the hydraulic system and caliper for residual pressure. They’ll inspect the guide pin holes for rust, debris, or damage that could affect caliper movement. The mechanic will also examine the piston boots for cracks or signs of wear. If the guide pins or piston boots are damaged, they’ll replace them to keep your brakes working smoothly.
5. Cracked, Glazed, or Lifted Pads
A glazed or cracked pad with lifted edges is often related to:
- Pad overuse
- Defective brake pads
- A faulty caliper
- A parking brake (emergency brake or e-brake) that’s been continuously engaged
The fix: They will replace the brake pad or the faulty brake caliper and adjust the parking brake (e-brake).
6. Uneven or Tapered Brake Pad Wear
With tapered pad wear, you’ll see an uneven wear pattern on the pad surface.
This kind of wear indicates:
- Incorrectly installed brake pad
- Stuck brake caliper (on one side of the pad)
- Worn guide pins
The fix: The mechanic will replace the caliper and brake pads.
7. Overlapping Friction Material
In this kind of pad wear, the top edge of the pad overlaps with the top of the rotor. This can happen due to worn guide pins, calipers, and caliper brackets, or using the wrong rotor or brake pad.
The fix: The mechanic will get new brake rotors and ensure they are installed according to OE (Original Equipment) specifications to prevent this type of brake pad wear.
8. Contaminated Friction Surface
Friction surface contamination is when the friction material is contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid. This can result from spillage during maintenance and affect your car in multiple ways. For example, your car may pull to one side or show a noticeable drop in braking performance.
The fix: The mechanic will replace the brake pads.
Now that you know what a worn or cracked brake pad looks like, let’s figure out what’s causing the issue.
What Are the Causes of Cracked Brake Pads?
A few reasons why you might have cracked brake pads are:
- Overheating: Cracked brake pads are caused by the intense heat and friction produced during braking. As pads press against the rotors to slow the vehicle, repeated exposure to high temperatures breaks down the brake pad material. This leads to cracks and fissures.
- Age: The pad material slowly thins due to constant contact with the rotors during braking. Over time, this wear can lead to cracked brake pads.
- Environmental factors: Moisture can seep into the brake pad material, causing corrosion and weakening. Salt and chemicals further speed up deterioration and crack formation.
- Poor quality or incorrect installation: Inferior materials may not handle heat and friction well. Meanwhile, improper installation, like misalignment or uneven pressure, can create stress points that can cause the pads to crack.
Wondering about the ideal time for a replacement to avoid all this trouble?
Let’s find out.
When Should You Replace Your Brake Pads?
Most mechanics recommend getting new brake pads every 50,000 miles to avoid severe brake problems.
However, the number isn’t set in stone. The actual lifespan of your brake pads depends on multiple factors, such as:
- Your driving habits
- The brake pad quality
- The terrain you drive on
Ideally, the brake pads should wear on both wheels of the same axle — both inside and outside.
However, even a slight difference in the thickness of your discs or uneven caliper pressure can cause one side to wear faster than the other. That’s why regular inspections are important.
To know exactly when to replace your brake pads, it’s best to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines or ask your mechanic during routine maintenance. Most brake pads also have wear indicators that either trigger a dashboard warning or make a squealing sound when it’s time for replacement.
Here’s a general guide on the brake pad wear levels:
- 8mm to 12mm: Brake pads are in good condition
- 6mm to 4mm: Brake pads need replacement
- 2mm to 3mm: Brake pads need urgent replacement
Up next, let’s explore how risky it is to drive with cracked brake pads.
Is it Safe to Drive With Cracked Brake Pads?
No, driving with a cracked pad is unsafe and can quickly escalate into a serious hazard.
Cracks weaken the pad’s structure, reducing its ability to grip the rotor effectively, which compromises your stopping power.
In severe cases, the pad can fracture further or break apart under pressure, leading to sudden brake failure on that wheel. This not only increases stopping distance but also creates an imbalance in your braking system, making the car harder to control.
Worse still, broken fragments can damage the rotor, making a simple pad replacement a much more expensive repair.
That said, you can prevent such issues by following some smart car practices.
How to Maintain Your Brake Pads
Here are some simple ways to extend the life of your brake pads:
- Stick to a proactive maintenance schedule.
- Monitor the thickness of your brake pads at regular intervals.
- Avoid an aggressive driving style as it creates excess heat that can crack your brake pads over time.
- Opt for brake pads specifically designed to withstand heavy braking and high temperatures.
- Downshift when going downhill to ease brake use.
- Replace rotors if needed, as a warped rotor can stress the pads and cause uneven wear.
Got more questions?
Let’s tackle your doubts on brake pads.
3 FAQs on Brake Pads
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions on brake pads:
1. How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
The average cost of a brake pad replacement is between $115 and $320 per axle. The final bill can vary based on various factors, such as labor charges, where you get the job done, and the cost of the parts.
2. What Is a Rotor?
A brake rotor or brake disc is a circular disc connected to each wheel. This brake disc is responsible for turning motion into heat energy during braking.
As the calipers squeeze your brake pads together, the large surface area of the rotor creates friction. This friction results in resistance against the spin of the wheel, which in turn slows its rotation and the car’s movement.
NOTE: If you notice rotor damage, get it fixed or replaced by a professional mechanic.
3. What’s the Difference Between a Drum Brake and a Disc Brake?
An older automotive brake system often used a drum design for all wheels of a car.
In this braking system design, the components are housed in a round drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside, there’s a brake shoe set made of heat-resistant friction material. When you press the brake pedal, the fluid pushes the brake shoe against the drum, which slows down the wheel.
While disc brakes work on the same basic principles of friction and heat, their design is superior to a drum brake. Instead of housing the major components within a metal drum, disc brakes use a slim rotor and small caliper to stop wheel movement.
The caliper holds two brake pads — one on each side of the rotor — that clamp together when you hit the brake pedal. This brake system also uses brake fluid to transfer and amplify brake pedal movement into braking force.
Enjoy Smooth, Safe Braking with Expert Brake Pad Service
Ignoring cracked brake pads can lead to reduced braking power, damaged rotors, and even complete brake failure.
So, if your brakes are trying to tell you something with squeals, grinding, or vibrations, don’t wait for it to worsen. Get them inspected and fixed by a professional.
Can’t drive to an auto shop?
AutoNation Mobile Service will bring mobile auto repair and maintenance services to your driveway. Our technicians are available seven days a week, and our services are backed by a 12-month, 12,000-mile auto repair warranty.
Contact us to break things off with those squeaky, cracked brake pads — it’s not you, it’s them.