Why are my BMW X3's brake discs wearing as fast as the brake pads?
My BMW X3 automatic has covered 38,000 miles from new in my ownership and recently had an inspection and brake fluid change at Sytner High Wycombe. The service received and the ongoing communication throughout the day was first class but I was surprised to hear that the car needed both front brake pads and discs. Surely the idea is that the pads wear out and are replaced and the discs don't, or is this old fashioned thinking on my part?
Asked on 2 November 2010 by JW, via email
Answered by
Honest John
This all changed from the date government banned the use of asbestos on brake pad material. To achieve the same braking effect, pads have metallic content and discs are softer and sacrificial. The consequence is that both wear, and that discs are more prone to corrosion damage, especially the rears that actually do very little braking.
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