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What Causes Uneven Brake Pad Wear?

Brake pads are absolutely necessary to your vehicle's safe operation. So, when one set of pads wears down quicker than the other, it's more than just an annoyance. It's a problem that can cause you to spend more money than you need to. 

 

Front and rear brake pads naturally wear abnormally. When your vehicle is moving, more strain is put on your front brakes, which can cause them to wear faster than your rear brakes. However, the problem is more complex if your brakes are wearing differently on the right vs. left side. Below are three common causes of this type of uneven wear:

Problems with Brake Caliper

The brake caliper's task is to press the brake pads against the rotors, causing your car to stop. Sometimes, the brake calipers can get stuck, which causes the brake pads to cling onto the rotors and wear them down faster.

Uneven Surface on Rotors

In some conditions, brake rotors can also wear unevenly, causing disc thickness variation. This can be due to sticky calipers, rust, constant slamming on the brakes, or dirt and debris getting in between the pad and the rotor.

Misalignment in the Brake Pads

For the perfect operation of your brake pads, they must be evenly aligned so that the entire pad is pressed against the rotor. Unfortunately, brake pads can sometimes become misaligned. At Global Car Care, we can assess what's causing the irregular brake wear and make the necessary repairs.

 

Can You Get Your Brake Pads Replaced Individually?

It is not advised to replace your brake pads only on one side, as it can further uneven wear. When getting your brake pads changed out, it is typically recommended to replace both the front or rear pads simultaneously.

 

Uneven brake pad wear can put your safety at risk, so please do not overlook the problem. Our technicians can service your brakes no matter what vehicle you own: Asian, Import, Domestic, or European. If you are looking for expert automotive services in Wenatchee, WA, please call or visit Global Car Care.