How many brake pads per wheel? Typically, each wheel has two brake pads—one on the inner side and one on the outer side of the brake rotor. This setup ensures even braking performance and helps prevent uneven wear on the rotor.
When talking about safety in cars, the most important feature would have to be making sure the vehicle can stop safely. Cars have reach the brake pads, which create the friction necessary to stop the car in conjunction with the brake rotors. How many brake pads do you think you have per wheel?
This is a popular question car owner have when talking about getting a brake job, but on average, most brake pads come in sets of two. One on the inner side, and one on the outers side of the rotors. While the statement is valid for most vehicles, some cars can have different numbers of pads on wheels due to differences in the type of car.
We’ve put together a list of example brake pads, and some common question car owner have when talking about getting a brake job. This is a popular question car owner have when talking about getting a brake job. It’s important to know about brake system to make sure your car is safe.
Contents
How Many Brake Pads Per Wheel?
How many brake pads per wheel is simple but requires knowing the different types of brake systems and their setups. For example, most modern cars, especially with disc brakes, have two brake pads for each wheel. The pads are located on each side of the brake rotor, with one on the inside and one on the outside. The pads create friction against the brake rotor, and that friction is what slows or stops the wheel from spinning.
1. Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
Depending on the brake system, the number of brake pads can vary. Most new vehicles feature disc brakes. However, some older models, especially the rear axle, use drum brakes. Here’s how they are different:
Disc Brakes: The majority of today’s vehicles use disc brakes. A disc brake system has a brake rotor, which is a part of the wheel that spins with the wheel; brake calipers, which are the part of the brake that squeezes the pads; and brake pads, which are two per wheel, with one on the inner side and one on the outer side of the rotor. The brake pads are placed on the rotor and create Friction, which is a force that slows the brake rotor.
Drum Brakes: Most older and some cheaper modern cars with drum brakes are equipped with rear-wheel drum brakes. They have brake shoes that are positioned on the inside side of the drum that is a part of the spinning wheel.. These brake shoes expand and touch the drum to create friction. These types of shoes are more complex than the shoes and pads, which is why the discussion will be more focused on disc brake shoes.
Most vehicles with disc brakes have two brake pads per wheel, though you may want to check your car’s specifications, especially if it has some sort of bespoke braking system.
Why Are There Two Brake Pads per Wheel?
Are you trying to understand why there are two brake pads per wheel instead of just one? The biggest reason is to maintain equal braking force on both sides of the brake rotor. This is key to achieving a smooth decrease in speed. If one side of the rotor slows down the vehicle too much, the vehicle does not go straight, resulting in an unsafe driving environment.
Inner and Outer Pads: The braking system is designed with two pads, one on the inner side of the brake rotor and the other on the outer side. When you step on the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is exerted on the brake calipers, and the pads are pushed against the rotor. This contact is what produces the friction that results in the car’s deceleration.
Even Pressure Distribution: Two brake pads per wheel provides even pressure distribution on either side of the rotor, ensuring that the rotor does not wear unevenly and that the vehicle’s braking system is working at an optimal efficiency.
Different Types of Brake Pads and Their Materials
Each material has unique advantages and disadvantages, affecting the performance, lifespan, noise, and cost of the brake pads.
1. Organic Brake Pads (NAO – No Asbestos Organic)
Organic brake pads are made with natural materials. Organic brake pads are usually made up of carbon, rubber, and sometimes Kevlar . Because the materials are “softer” than the alternative options used in making brake pads, the result are quieter brake noises.
- Number of Pads per Wheel: 2 (1 inner and 1 outer)
- Pros: Quieter noises from brake, made from materials that are considered environmentally friendly, inexpensive.
- Cons: Wears out brake pads more frequently, poor performance in higher tiered cars.
2. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
The construction of the Semi-metallic brake pads is a combination of varied metal substances (such as steel, copper and iron, ) and along with a “friction modifier” . These metal particles make the brake pads more durable than the alternatives and withstand and resist higher temperatures.
- Number of Pads per Wheel: 2 (1 inner and 1 outer)
- Pros: Great performance in situations more complex (high levels of of stress), Can withstand high levels of pressure
- Cons: Very loud and can cause inner rotor wear to happen.
3. Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are more advanced than the alternatives provided. These pads contain more varied materials like copper fibers. Ceramic brake pads provide a less dusty and noisy braking, brake pads provide better braking.
- Number of Pads per Wheel: 2
- Pros: Pads are good for normal use, last a long time, low dust, good for daily driving, and quiet
- Cons: High Price, and poor performance in extreme conditions
4. Carbon Composite Brake Pads
Designed for use in racing and high performance vehicles. They are made of ceramic and carbon fibers, and are made to withstand extreme temperatures.
- Number of Pads per Wheel: 2
- Pros: Very good in racing and withstands high temperatures.
- Cons: very high price and not practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about number of brake pads in wheel –
1. How many brake pads do I need for my car?
Most vehicles require four brake pads, two brake pads on each wheel (one on the inner part of the wheel and one on the outer part of the wheel).
2. Can I drive with worn-out brake pads?
It is dangerous to drive with worn-out brake pads because of the poor braking performance that comes with it and the damaging of the rotors.
3. How long do brake pads last?
Brake pads are expected to last about 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The duration is dependent on the type of brake pads used.
4. Do I need to replace all brake pads at once?
It is good practice to replace the brake pads in pairs (both the front or both the back of the vehicle). However, it is not a strict requirement that all brake shoes needs to be replaced at once except for the case of severely worn shoes.
5. How often should I inspect my brake pads?
The brake pads need to be checked at least once every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, if there is any audible noise, braking power not being up to the expected standards or there are any vibrations, the pads should be checked immediately.
Conclusion
In order for a car to work its best, each wheel has to have a minimum of two brake pads. One pad is located on the inner side and the other pad is located on the outer side of the rotor. This is a common design used in vehicles with disc brakes. In order for the car to stay safe, brake pads should be replaced regularly.
Your choice of brake pads may depend on whether you choose organic, semi-metallic, ceramic, or carbon composite. Keep in mind that maintaining brake pads may include spending a little extra, but it goes a long way when it comes to your safety and the system of brakes that comes equipped in your vehicle.
