Why Do My Brake Pads Keep Wearing Out?

New brake pads and discs every six months? Something isn’t right.

Last Friday, we welcomed a customer to Aldershot MOT Centre with a 2017 Volvo that had been experiencing repeated problems with its rear brakes.

The customer explained that their rear brake pads and discs had been replaced approximately every six months elsewhere, and now the brakes were squealing again.

To make things more interesting, they were heading away for the weekend and needed their car back that evening.

The Volvo arrived at 8am. By 5:30pm, we’d investigated the problem, completed the repairs and had the car ready for their weekend away.

Here’s what we found and how we put it right.

First, We Needed to Find the Cause

As this was the customer’s first visit to us, we booked the Volvo in for a mechanical investigation rather than simply replacing the brakes again.

Our technician started with a road test, confirming the squealing noise the customer had reported.

We then carried out a complimentary Vehicle Health Check (VHC), looking at the overall condition of the car and inspecting the braking system more closely.

The Volvo was generally well maintained, but the rear brakes told a different story.

What Did We Find?

The rear brake pads were wearing very unevenly.

Offside rear (driver’s side):

• Outer brake pad had approximately 4mm remaining.
• Inner brake pad was worn down to the metal, causing the squealing noise.
• Brake disc was in acceptable condition.

Nearside rear (passenger side):

• Brake pads had approximately 6mm remaining.
• The inner face of the brake disc showed metal-on-metal damage.

Further investigation identified a faulty brake caliper contributing to the uneven wear.

This was the important part. Simply fitting another set of brake pads and discs without addressing the caliper fault could have resulted in the same problem returning.

We Also Found a Steering Issue

During our complimentary Vehicle Health Check, we noticed that the protective rubber boot on the offside front track rod end was split.

This boot is designed to protect the steering joint from dirt and water. When it splits, contaminants can enter the joint and lead to premature wear.

We recommended replacing the track rod end and carrying out a front wheel alignment afterwards.

Keeping the Customer Informed

Once we’d completed our investigation, we sent the customer a digital report with photographs showing the uneven brake wear, metal-on-metal damage and split track rod end boot.

We explained our findings, highlighted the urgent repairs and provided a quotation for the recommended work.

The customer was able to review everything and authorised all the repairs.

With their weekend plans approaching, our team got straight to work.

The Repairs: All Completed the Same Day

We replaced the affected components using quality parts from established manufacturers:

• Pagid rear brake discs and pads to replace the worn braking components.
• Pagid brake caliper to address the underlying cause of the uneven wear.
• Lemförder front track rod end to rectify the damaged steering component.
• Front wheel alignment following the steering repair.

Once the repairs were completed, we carried out our final checks to ensure the identified problems had been rectified.
And the best part?

The customer dropped their Volvo off at 8am and collected it at 5:30pm that very same day, ready to head off for their weekend away.

From the initial investigation and digital report to customer authorisation, replacement parts and completed repairs, everything was taken care of in one working day.

Why Do Brake Pads Wear Unevenly?

Brake pads naturally wear over time, but significant differences in wear can indicate an underlying mechanical issue.

Some common causes include:

• Sticking brake calipers: A faulty caliper may prevent the brake pads from applying or releasing correctly.
• Seized slider pins: These can stop the caliper moving freely.
• Brake pads sticking in their carriers: Corrosion or debris can restrict movement.
• Parking brake faults: These can sometimes cause rear brakes to remain partially applied.

If the underlying problem isn’t fixed, replacing the brake pads and discs may only provide a temporary solution.

The Takeaway: Fix the Cause, Not Just the Symptom

This Volvo is a great example of why we believe in proper mechanical investigations.

The customer had been replacing their brakes every six months, but by looking beyond the worn pads, we identified the caliper fault that was contributing to the problem.

Our complimentary Vehicle Health Check also picked up a separate steering issue, allowing us to address both concerns during the same visit.

Most importantly, the customer was kept informed throughout, authorised the work and had their car back in time for their weekend away.

At Aldershot MOT Centre, it’s not just about replacing parts. It’s about understanding the problem, carrying out the right repairs and getting our customers safely back on the road.

Are Your Brakes Squealing or Wearing Out Too Quickly?

If you’re experiencing unusual brake noises, uneven wear or repeated brake problems, our technicians can help identify what’s causing them.

We’re based in Aldershot and provide mechanical investigations, brake repairs, servicing and MOT testing.

Book an appointment online or contact our team on 01252 332604.

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