How they work together
When you press the pedal, the caliper squeezes the pads against the spinning rotor, and friction slows the wheel. The pads are designed to wear; the rotor is designed to absorb heat and wear slowly.
Pads only, or pads and rotors?
Pads caught early can usually be replaced on their own. Once pads wear to metal, they score the rotors, and then both need replacing.
- Squeal from the wear indicator: usually pads only
- Grinding: pads gone, rotors likely damaged
- Pedal pulsing: rotors warped or uneven
- Rotors below minimum thickness: replace them
Need This Fixed?
YBE handles this at the Capitol Heights shop, seven days a week. Read about Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, or call and describe what your car is doing.
Further Reading
Background on the parts and systems described above.