Brake Disc replacement & repair made easy

What does a Brake disc do?

The brake disc is a metal disc that is part of a disc brake unit mounted at the wheel hub (modern cars usually have disc brakes all-round). It is mounted on the wheel hub. When you apply the brakes, the brake pad is forced onto the brake disc causing friction and slowing the car down.

How do you know there is something wrong with a Brake Disc?

• When the brake disc vibrates under braking.
• When the car pulls to one side under braking.
• When the disc's surface is not smooth; if it displays grooves, spots or even cracks.
• When the disc's surface has a blue discolourisation.

When should you consider replacing a Brake Disc?

A brake disc will eventually wear out due to the amount of friction with the brake pad. Moreover, the intense heat generated during braking makes the disc thinner and will deform it, at which point the disc will become increasingly inefficient at dispersing heat. Alternatively, brake discs can be rendered ineffective by cracks, scars or even rust as well.

If the brake discs have worn out prematurely or if you are experiencing trouble under braking, it is advisable to seek the help of an expert to investigate the problem and, if necessary, replace the discs as soon as possible. Driving with brakes that do not function properly can, of course, lead to dangerous situations on the road.

You should always replace either both the front discs, both the rear discs or all of the discs to ensure a balanced braking experience. Usually, it is advisable to change the brake pads simultaneously as they might have been affected by uneven wearing discs (due to scarring or cracking).

Importantly, servicing the brake discs is key to ensure the brakes work correctly and effectively. Always service the brakes according to the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

What happens during a Brake Disc replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the brake discs.
• If necessary, the brake discs will be replaced.
• Mechanic will advise if the brake pads should be replaced too.
• Mechanic will check the brake system and, if deemed safe, will do a test drive.
• Mechanic will make any adjustments to optimise the braking system.

What happens if I don’t get my car’s Brake Discs replaced?

Brake discs are in a part of your car which can get extremely hot, and therefore made to withstand very high temperatures.
Nevertheless, they can become warped as a result of all the heat generated, which has serious implications on the performance of your brakes. Warped and deformed brake discs will reduce your car’s ability to brake predictably to keep you and your fellow road users safe. If you notice one or more signs mentioned above you should get it looked at as soon as you can.

Can I do a Brake Disc replacement myself?

Whereas replacing a set of brake pads is a fairly straightforward job, brake disc fitting is more tricky. If a brake disc isn’t properly lined up, it can cause uneven wear and this means that the discs very likely don’t last anywhere near as long as they should.

It is best to engage a mechanic for this job, especially because brake discs play such an important part in keeping you, and other road users, safe.

How common is a Brake Disc replacement?

Brake discs do wear with use making the fitting of new brake discs is a very common job. There are no hard and fast rules on brake disc replacement, as it will depend on how much you use your brakes, and how hard you treat them. You should expect to have it done once your car has covered anything between 30,000 and 50,000 miles.

A visual examination of the braking system of your car is included every time it is serviced.

What are common brake disc brands on the market?

When it comes to fitting new brake discs, the names you are most likely to come across are Mintex and Bosch. More high-performance brake discs are often needed on more powerful cars, and one of the most respected names in this sector of the market is Brembo.

How to extend the lifetime of your brake discs?

As with most parts of your car, the less pressure you put on any part of your car’s brakes, the longer they will last.

Anticipating the road conditions ahead, keeping your speed as constant as possible, and avoiding sharp acceleration, are all likely to lengthen the interval between brake disc replacements.
Lightening the load you carry in your car will also prolong the life of your brake discs, as it will require less effort to slow you down.

Draining and flushing out your old brake fluid and replacing it with fresh liquid can also help extend your brakes’ life. The fluid can attract and retain water, which not only dilutes it but can also corrode your brake discs from the inside.

How much does a Brake Disc Replacement cost?

The cost of a brake disc replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your brake disc replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!