Brake Pad Replacement near Rockville, MD

Whether you’re simply cruising around the neighborhood or traveling across Route 355 at high speeds, you need access to reliable stopping power at the helm of your Lexus. If you’ve been noticing a decrease in your ability to decelerate your vehicle, a brake pad replacement may be the fix you need! The Service Department at Pohanka Lexus is here to help with this maintenance item.

The Function of Brake Pads

Brake pads are situated on either side of the rotor integrated into each of the four wheels on your car. When you press down on the decelerator, the force you exert is delivered from one braking component to another until it reaches the calipers. These press the pads down onto the rotor, creating friction that forces the wheels to slow down until they stop spinning. The soft material that comes into contact with the rotor degrades over time, eventually exposing the hard metal backing underneath. When the pads are worn to such a degree, they can warp the discs, compromising your ability to bring your vehicle to a stop. As such, they need to be replaced before they become too thin.

Warning Signs

Have you been noticing a screeching sound whenever you step on the deceleration pedal to halt your Lexus model at a red light in Rockville? Then you might want to schedule a service appointment at our dealership without delay, as metal-to-metal friction may be occurring between your rotors and your overly worn brake pads. If this has happened, you may also be able to feel vibrations from your steering wheel when you apply stopping power. Moreover, you may find yourself slamming on the brakes harder than you used to even when you’re slowing your car down across a long distance. You can also visually inspect the components, as they are typically visible in between the spokes of your wheels. 

Replacement Process

The first step of replacing the brake pads on your vehicle is lifting it up so as to facilitate the removal of the wheels. Then, the calipers have to be disconnected, because the pads are underneath them. At this point, our technicians may inspect the wear pattern on the pads to make sure that there are no underlying issues causing premature or uneven degradation. Once this has been done and the rotors have also been checked for appropriate thickness, replacement pads can be installed. Once everything has been reassembled, the brake fluid may need to be topped off. Then, you’ll be good to head to Falls Road Local Park with renewed confidence in your car’s stopping power! For questions about this process, use our Ask a Tech form.