What Happens If You Don’t Use Copper Grease Or Anti Seize Lubricant
On Your Brake Pads?
As a safety precaution, brake manufacturers recommend adding a special chemical to the brake pads. This is designed to reduce the risk of creating so much friction that you eat through your brake pads and shoes. It keeps the wheels from locking up and the vehicle from skidding, and it keeps you from becoming a hood ornament on a semi-truck. However, this chemical may sometimes cause serious issues, especially if you don’t use copper grease or anti seize lubricant.
Under such circumstances, it’s not unusual for the friction to become so great that it actually heats up a section of the pad so intensely that it catches on fire. It’s called “brake pad seizure,” and it’s exactly like what it sounds like: You have a car with a seized brake system.
Generally, brake pad seizure happens in the pressurized pads on the rear axle when you drive temperately.
Among auto mechanics, this condition is so common that there’s even a name for it: “the rear pad slap.” You may be able to hear it taking place.
This serious malfunction can occur under the following circumstances:
The [Roadside] Fix
If your brakes make a weird squeaking noise, it’s time to get up to speed on the basics of brake repair. This is an easy fix with inexpensive parts and a little knowledge of how the brakes work.
First, check your driver’s side brake pad for damage. You want to make sure that it’s not warped or cracked and that it’s not rubbing against the rotor. If it is, it’s probably making the sound. Check the back brake pad as well if you’re having issues.
If your pads are okay, it’s time to check the rotor. To check it for wear, simply lift up the caliper