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Three Telltale Signs that the Ford Expedition Brake Pads Need Replacing

The Ford Expedition brake pads have a very tough job-every time you hit the brakes, these components grind with the disk rotor to slow down and stop your vehicle. This is why after 40,000 miles or so, these pads will need replacing. However, just because you know when to replace this component doesn't mean you will ignore the declining performance of your SUV's brakes. When you feel your car is not braking as tight as before, then it's time to troubleshoot. Here are some brake pad-related problems:

Brake pedal going too far down to stop

When you step on the brake pedal and it feels like it's going farther down than it usually does, the brake pads might already be worn. To check, you won't have to take off the car's wheels-you can see it under the car without having to remove any component. Once you find the brake pad, take note of its thickness. If it looks much thinner than when you first bought it, then this would mean that the pad is almost used up and needs to be replaced. Check each pad as they sometimes wear unevenly.

Brakes grabbing or pulling

Brakes that work properly should work smoothly and evenly whenever you push the pedal. However, if you notice the car pulling to one side whenever you hit the brake, the pads might be at fault. If the brake pads aren't worn, they could be contaminated by oil or leaked brake fluid. Check the component's lining for traces of these liquids to confirm.

Brakes squealing or whining

When you hear a high-pitched noise every time you hit the brakes, it could mean that the brake pads are vibrating, a condition known as brake judder. Each brake pad comes with a little metal gasket between the brake pad and the piston. This small component absorbs the vibrations, which can increase in frequency to the point of whining or squealing. If there's no object filling the space between the pads and the piston, then the gasket might be missing.

Other symptoms

There are other problems that worn brake pads may cause. For example, when the car's brakes have grown weak thus taking longer to stop when you apply it suddenly, then the brake pads are getting thin and need replacing. Check for breaking or contamination on the component as well to see if you have to buy new stock.