When Do You Need a Brake Pad Vs. a Rotor?

A brake system integrates multiple parts.

The brake system in a vehicle utilizes brake shoes, calipers, brake pads and a rotor to stop a vehicle. All of these parts are in the brake assembly that spins on each end of the front and rear axles.

Rotor

In the center of the tires on your vehicle is the wheel. Inside the wheel is the brake assembly. When you press the brake pedal, the brake shoes clamp down on the rotor on the end of the axles to create friction and slow the vehicle down. Since the shoes and the rotor are made of metal, the friction needed to slow the vehicle would destroy the shoes and rotor without brake pads.

Break Pads

The brake pads are pinned to the brake shoes. Brake pads are made of either asbestos type materials or ceramic plating. The friction generated on these surfaces prevents damage to the metal rotors and shoes with little wear on the pads themselves. The calipers maintain appropriate distance between the pads and rotors during normal operation.

Function

A rotor without a brake pad will destroy the brake shoes, the rotor and calipers due to the friction involved. As the brake pad is attached to the assembly surrounding the rotor, it is not possible to have a brake pad without the rotor. Both work together to bring the vehicle to a stop.

References

• Autozone: Brakes: Basic Operating Principles
• Autozone: Brakes