Causes and symptoms of brake disc failure

The life of brake discs is usually between 50 and 110 thousand kilometers of driving, which of course can change depending on the type of driving and the quality of the product.

Brake disc failure can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:

Excessive heat: Excessive heat generated during braking can cause the brake disc to warp or crack. This is often due to prolonged or sudden braking, especially in downhill driving situations where frequent braking is likely. In the picture below, the blue color is caused by high heat on the surface of the disk, which overshadows the performance of the disk.

Facing thermal stresses: sometimes it happens that when the car is moving on a long slope, the driver uses consecutive brakes, which leads to the disc heating up, and when passing through the place where the water has accumulated, it suddenly cools down. This leads to disc warping. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use a heavy gear on the slopes.

Material Fatigue: Brake discs are subjected to repeated stress and thermal cycling, which can lead to material fatigue over time. This can lead to cracking or other forms of structural failure.

Corrosion: Exposure to moisture, road dust and other corrosive substances can lead to rust and corrosion on the surface of the brake disc, which compromises its integrity and performance. This incident is the result of abnormal wear of pads with discs.

Improper installation: If the brake disc is not installed correctly, it may not sit evenly on the hub, leading to uneven wear and possible failure.

Poor quality materials: Brake discs with poor quality materials may not withstand the pressures of regular use, leading to premature failure.

Inadequate maintenance: Failure to regularly inspect and maintain the brake system can lead to problems such as worn pads that do not make proper contact with the disc, causing uneven wear or damage.

Contamination: Oil, grease, or other contaminants on brake discs can reduce friction and lead to poor brake performance, potentially causing overheating and damage.

Excessive wear: Over time, the brake discs wear out due to the friction of the brake pads. If they become too thin, they may fail under normal operating conditions. As you can see in the picture below, one edge of the disc is broken due to excessive wear and thinning.

Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn parts is essential to ensure the longevity and safety of brake systems.
Symptoms of brake disc failure

Fast detection of brake disc failure is very important for your safety. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Unusual noises: Listen for grinding or screeching sounds when you apply the brakes. These sounds can indicate worn brake pads or damaged discs. Sometimes these sounds are caused by the poor quality of the pads, which must be diagnosed by a mechanic

Vibration or pulsation: If you feel vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when braking, it may indicate that the brake discs are warped or worn unevenly.

Reduced brake performance: If your car takes longer than usual to stop or if the brakes are less responsive, this could be a sign of disc failure.

Visual inspection: Regularly check your brake discs for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, deep grooves, or discoloration (blue tint), which could indicate overheating.

Brake warning light: Pay attention to the warning lights on the dashboard related to the brake system.

Pulling to one side: If your car pulls to one side when braking, it may indicate uneven wear on the brake discs.

Increased brake dust: Excessive accumulation of dust on the wheels can be a sign of worn brake components.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.