Brake Failure - Pad Disintegration

Brake Failure - Pad Disintegration

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dr_gn

Original Poster:

16,140 posts

183 months

Friday 21st July 2017
quotequote all
I'd noticed a random, subtle knock on what I thought was the suspension on my E46 BMW 330i. Booked it into the local BMW Indy as a precaution. Before I got chance to go (next week), I experienced brake failure approaching a roundabout at the end of a slip road. The pedal went straight to the floor. After some desperate pumping, it came back to a degree and I was able to stop (albeit with terrible noise). When I later removed the wheels I noticed an impact mark on the osf inner rim. Removing the pads revealed the entire friction material was missing from the inner pad. Nothing left. Gone.

I messaged Pagid with images and details of what happened, but no reply. The pads were just over 50% worn, and probably 8 months old or so.

I've never experienced anything like that in 30 years of driving. The car is well maintained and apart from the slight occasional knock, as already outlined, there was no warning of the total (but temporary) loss of braking. The knock has stopped with the new pads. I think it was caused by the partially broken up pad moving in the calliper. Under braking it finally disintegrated completely, leaving a 10mm or so air gap between the back plate and disc.



Edited by dr_gn on Friday 21st July 17:28

GreenV8S

30,150 posts

283 months

Friday 21st July 2017
quotequote all
Lucky you had the presence of mind to pump the brakes. I don't suppose it's a common problem but you aren't alone. There was another thread recently where an owner noticed the linings had separated from the backplates and planned to refit the separate bits to drive over to the next town to get replacements. I wonder how many other people are driving around with faulty pads where the linings have separated. frown

dr_gn

Original Poster:

16,140 posts

183 months

Friday 21st July 2017
quotequote all
On other cars, I've removed worn pads before that have cracked friction material, but still attached to the backing.

Never seen them separated (or even loose) on the backings though.

stevieturbo

17,229 posts

246 months

Friday 21st July 2017
quotequote all
GreenV8S said:
Lucky you had the presence of mind to pump the brakes. I don't suppose it's a common problem but you aren't alone. There was another thread recently where an owner noticed the linings had separated from the backplates and planned to refit the separate bits to drive over to the next town to get replacements. I wonder how many other people are driving around with faulty pads where the linings have separated. frown
It is too common....I've had a thread, others have had threads.

It just seems modern pads are junk ! lol