Brake Pad Wear Patterns | Symptom Illustrations

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Disc Brake Pad Wear Patterns
Brake pads are designed to wear evenly when all parts of the braking system are working correctly. Several things can affect proper wear pattern of the brake pad. This illustration can help determine the cause and what should be done to correct the problem.

	Wear Pattern: Even wear between inner and outer pads; smooth wear surface on friction material Indication: Normal Wear
	Abnormal Brake Pad Wear & Symptoms
	Wear Pattern: Tapered wear - vertically or horizontally Indication: Worn out caliper bushings and/or worn out caliper hardware not functioning correctly
	Wear Pattern: Only one of the two pads worn down Indication: Caliper or Caliper piston hanging up; caliper slide not functioning correctly
	Wear Pattern: Grooves in the surface of the friction material Indication: Rotors should be turned or replaced
	Wear Pattern: Cracked lining or chipped corners on the friction material Indication: Excessive heat build-up in the brake system; caliper or caliper piston hanging up creating constant friction, rear brakes not effective causing disproportionate amount of braking done by front pads.
	Wear Pattern: Step in pad lining Indication: Pads not installed correctly; pads not in full contact with the rotor, replace guide pin/mounting bolt bushings and caliper hardware.
	Wear Pattern: Lining worn completely, rivets exposed, rotors destroyed Indication: Brake pads worn beyond safe and normal wear point.