1984/06/04 Caterpillar

Reusability Of Brake Pads{4273,4255}

Usage:

All Models With Caliper Disc Brakes

Questions have been received about the reusability of brake pads used with disc brakes on the above machines.

The brake pads should not be reused if one of the following conditions are present.

1. Thick sections of the lining surface are missing. Continued use of these brake pads can cause loss of additional sections.

2. The top surface (layer) of the brake pad has broken away.

3. The lining surface has a burned appearance. This can be the result of overuse or abuse of the brakes.

4. The lining material is worn down to the bottom of the grooves.

The brake pads can be reused even if one of the following conditions are present.

1. Illustration 1 shows cracks on the surface of the lining. When the openings (depth) of these cracks go from the surface towards the plate, the brake pad can be reused.

Illustration 1. Cracks that are perpendicular to the lining surface.

2. The brake pads have cracks that go from the groove in the lining towards the plate. See Illustration 2.

Illustration 2. Cracks between the groove in the lining and the plate.

3. The brake pads have a crack (or cracks) between the lining material and the plate. See Illustration 3. It can appear that there is a separation between the lining material and the plate. The plugs that hold the lining to the plate still have a sufficient bond to hold the linings in position.

Illustration 3. Separation between lining and plate.

4. Grooves in the lining material caused by dirt or debris on the disc. This dirt or debris can cause grooves in the lining material that are the length of the lining. See Illustration 4.

Illustration 4. Grooves caused by dirt or debris between the brake pad and the brake disc.