Cause: I have fitted new brake pads and the brakes squeal. Why?
Solution: Squeal is caused by vibration of any component under braking. Look beyond the braking system for worn suspension components. Use your Bendix Disc Brake Data Book to check if the right pads have been fitted to the vehicle. Check that the original anti-squeal shims have been fitted to the replacement pads. The calipers may require a complete overhaul.

Cause: My customer complains that his brake pads are wearing out too quickly. What should I do?
Solution: First, check the car's odometer reading to see if the calipers have ever been overhauled. Driver abuse can also cause rapid wear. When the rear brakes are not doing their share of braking, rapid wear of the front brakes will result. Check to see if the booster/master cylinder/proportioning valve are out of adjustment. Calipers must be overhauled at 60,000km intervals. Find out which friction material has been fitted as it may be wrong for the application. Overhaul if necessary.

Cause: After having fitted new pads the customer came back for a check up and we found big differences in pad wear. What's up?
Solution: Uneven pad wear is often a caliper problem, caused by faulty seals, sticking or bent slide pins. Overhaul the calipers on that axle.

Cause: We fitted two sets of pads to two identical cars, but one of the owners is not happy. Why the difference?
Solution: Different vehicle loads, driving styles and road conditions demand different friction material characteristics. A car towing a caravan or tandem trailer may require Bendix Heavy Duty The same car used for normal traffic and driving conditions would be perfectly happy with General CT or Advance. If driven hard, the car may require Ultimate.

Cause: A customer has complained that his pads smoke sometimes and often give off a strong smell. What should I do?
Solution: The pads are simply getting too hot. The most common causes are driver abuse or faulty calipers. Faulty calipers may cause the front or rear brakes to 'hang on', building up heat in the friction material. Get the driver to change his driving habits. Overhaul the braking system.

Cause: What can be done to eliminate steering vibration under braking?
Solution: Disc thickness variation is the cause of this problem. Usually it is caused by the disc being out of alignment when originally fitted. Machine the discs. If they are thinner than the manufacturer's minimum thickness specification, replace the discs.

Cause: We had an owner claim that he ended up in the middle of an intersection after we had machined his rotors. What's the problem?
Solution: Brake pads frequently get blamed for this. The real culprit though is incorrectly finished discs. After machining, always clean off the disc surfaces with 240 grit emery. Then clean up using a non oil based solvent. Repeat the process after fitting. A thorough wipe down will remove graphite and grease.

Cause: We've heard that several different pads fit Commodores. Is this the case?
Solution: Several different pads do fit various models. To fit most Commodores, the pad must have a 6mm minimum thickness backing plate, or a 5mm back plate which has a 1mm raised ear (joggle) on each end.

Cause: How can I find out which pad to fit?
Solution: No matter what make or model of car you are repairing, Bendix is most likely to have the disc brake pad to suit. First check your Bendix Disc Pad Data Book. If the make and model are not listed, call our Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 (8am-5pm Mon to Fri).

Cause: What is Disc thickness variation (DTV)
Solution: Disc thickness variation (DTV) is where the rotor or disc varies in thickness, as indicated in the diagram, around the rotor.

 

Most automotive part shops and auto parts resellers stock Bendix brake pads. Nearly every car mechanic in Australia can source and then fit Bendix brakes to your car. Please ensure you ask your mechanic to install Bendix brake pads every time you have your brakes replaced.

Costs vary greatly depending on the make and model of your car and on the condition of your disc rotors, calipers and other brake components.

Bendix is unable to endorse or recommend specific car mechanics however most car mechanics are able to install Bendix brake pads to your car. To ensure excellent braking performance, simply ask your mechanic to install Bendix Brake pads.

The key to selecting the right brake pad for your car and to achieving efficient braking is matching your driving style and vehicle type with the right brake pad formulation. Bendix has several brake pads available. Use the Bendix Brake Pad Selection Guide to match your type of vehicle and driving style with a Bendix brake pad formulation. Our technical experts at our Brake Advice Centre (Tel: 1800 819 666 8am-5pm Mon to Fri) can also assist you and discuss your requirements. Download PDF

Bendix is Australia’s largest manufacturer of automotive friction materials and the only Australian company supplying friction materials for use on new cars made by Australia’s car makers. Based in Ballarat, Victoria, Bendix employs over 750 staff and utilises the latest friction manufacturing technology to make the highest quality brake friction products available in Australia today.

Depending on the application brake pads should last anything from 15,000 to 70,000 kilometres. If you feel that your brake pads are wearing out prematurely you may need to have your mechanic install heavier duty, temperature resistant brakes pads such as Bendix Heavy Duty. The main cause of premature wear is high temperatures. Steep terrain, towing of heavy loads and constant braking all increase braking temperatures and reduce the life of brake pads.

Brakes should operate with a minimal amount of noise. Some noise is normal, but excessive squeal, screech, grinding, groaning or banging means that your brakes need attention. Using the wrong formulation for your driving style can also cause noise in your brakes due to excessive heat.

If the brake pedal, steering wheel or the entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulsates when the brakes are applied, then the disc brake rotors may need resurfacing. More serious problems such as a loose component or a faulty steering mechanism can also cause vibration.

Bendix recommends that rotors be machined as a routine part of every brake job. Rotor thickness variation and surface irregularities can lead to brake noise and vibration. Even very small irregularities, difficult to detect with precision workshop instruments, can cause serious brake shudder. Machined rotors, rubbed down with Bendix Brake and Parts Cleaner, ensure your brakes operate smoothly and quietly.