Have you ever changed your brake pads only to find that one side has worn down much more than the other? That’s known as uneven brake pad wear, and it’s more common than you might think.
While brake pads are designed to wear out over time, they should generally wear evenly on all wheels. When they don’t, it could be a sign that something else isn’t working quite right—and ignoring it could lead to reduced braking performance, safety issues, or more costly repairs later on.
Let’s look at the common reasons behind uneven brake pad wear and what you can do about it.
1. Sticking or Seized Callipers
Your car’s brake calliper is what presses the pad against the disc to slow the car down. If the calliper doesn’t slide properly or gets stuck, it can cause one pad to stay in contact with the disc longer than it should. This leads to faster wear on one side.
What to look out for:
- Your car pulling to one side when braking
- One wheel area getting hotter than the others
- Uneven pad thickness when inspected
2. Worn or Dirty Calliper Pins
Calliper pins help the brake calliper move freely. If these pins become rusty, dirty, or dry, they may stop the calliper from moving evenly. This can result in one side of the pad being overused.
Solution:
A mechanic can clean and lubricate the pins during a brake service to keep everything moving smoothly.
3. Brake Disc (Rotor) Issues
If your brake disc is warped (slightly bent) or has uneven surfaces, the pads won’t make proper contact. This can cause certain areas of the pads to wear faster than others.
Signs include:
- Vibration when braking
- Pulsing in the brake pedal
- Squealing or grinding noises
Replacing or resurfacing the disc can help restore proper contact between the disc and pad.
4. Uneven Brake Pad Installation
Even a small error during installation can cause one pad to sit slightly out of position, leading to tilted or angled wear. In some cases, the pads may not be the correct size or type for your vehicle.
What to do:
Always have brake pads installed by a trusted workshop, and make sure the parts used are suitable for your car model.
5. Faulty Brake Hoses
Brake hoses carry fluid pressure from your foot pedal to the brakes. If one hose is worn or partially blocked, it may not apply the same pressure to both sides of the vehicle. As a result, one side may work harder than the other, causing uneven wear.
Note: This problem usually requires professional inspection and replacement.
6. Driving Habits and Road Conditions
In some cases, uneven brake wear can be influenced by how and where you drive. For example:
- Driving frequently in heavy traffic or hilly areas may cause one axle (often the front) to wear faster.
- Carrying heavy loads can also put more strain on certain wheels.
While some wear differences are normal, large imbalances shouldn’t be ignored.
Why Uneven Brake Pad Wear Matters
Uneven wear doesn’t just shorten the life of your brake pads—it can affect:
- Braking balance, making your car feel unstable
- Stopping distance, increasing your risk in an emergency
- Tyre wear, especially if your car pulls to one side
That’s why it’s important to have your brakes checked regularly—especially if you notice any changes in performance or noise while braking.
Final Thoughts
Uneven brake pad wear may seem like a minor issue, but it can point to bigger problems. Regular inspections, proper installations, and routine servicing go a long way in keeping your braking system safe and effective.
Remember: your brakes work hard every day—take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.
