Why does brake disc bend? What are the symptoms for bowed brake disks? What should you do if your brake disks are bent ?….
Brake disks are large, metal components that are located behind the vehicle’s wheels. These discs are rotatable with the wheels, and the brake pedal presses against them. The pads then rub against the discs to stop the vehicle. Brake discs must withstand extreme heat. They also need to quickly dissipate the heat into the air, as otherwise, the brake discs will become more hot when they are applied.
Disk warping is often described as a wheel that’s warped like a bicycle. The discs would need to be made of very low quality metals and have to be able to withstand the temperature requirements. Disc warping is when the disc’s surface becomes worn and rough.
What are the Symptoms for a Bent Brake Disc?
As they age, discs, calipers, and pads need to be checked frequently. These components can cause damage and wear that could compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Increased downtime is the greatest risk of discs becoming warped. Even if your surface is smooth, it will take your vehicle longer to stop. The braking distance is further extended by the tilting of discs on the wheels.
A bent disc can cause the brake pads to move back and forth, and the brake fluid foams up. If this happens, the brake system can’t provide the correct amount of hydraulic pressure. The risk of an accident increases when you lose control of your brakes.
A curved brake disc can be identified by vibrations in your steering wheel when you push the brake pedal. The curviest discs will produce more vibration in your hands and feet. Sometimes you can feel these vibrations when you lightly press the brake pedal, while in other cases you may feel it when you push it hard. You should call a mechanic if you notice such vibrations.
A second sign your discs may be skewed is the sound you hear when you press the brake pedal. This happens because the discs don’t contact your brake pads in the right way. It may sound like a squeak.
What Causes Brake Discs to Bend?
Excessive heat is often responsible for disc curvature. Bad components, such as improperly fitted pads or rubbing against brake discs, can cause discs to heat up and warp. Also, a jammed caliper could cause the brake system to not work properly and lead to it malfunctioning.
Another reason that brake discs can bend is because shock absorbers aren’t doing their job. They also disrupt the vehicle’s center-of-gravity.
You may experience a decrease in performance if you drive your car on uneven terrain or in cities where it is difficult to apply the brakes.
Incorrect tire sizes, misalignment, and incorrectly tightening bolts can put pressure on discs, causing them to heat up and warp.
Brake discs, like all parts of the vehicle have a limited service life. The brake discs will wear down and lose their function over time due to braking. The heat can cause a brake disc to become thinned from wear.
What to do if Brake Discs are Broken?
There are two options in this instance: replace the brake disks with new ones, or, if they aren’t too worn and are thick enough to be fixed by a machine, have them replaced.
You should immediately contact a mechanic if you suspect your discs or brakes may be damaged. Driving with bent discs can lead to an accident that could cause injury to yourself and others around you.
