Have you checked out your Chevy 4x4 brake pads lately? Failure to change worn brake pads is one of the most common and most avoidable causes of extensive brake damage. Your 4x4 brake pads consist of a thick frictional lining that is mounted on to a metal backing plate. You will find a pair of brake pads flanking each of your brake rotors.

The main job of your Chevy 4x4 brake pads is to grind against the metal disc of your brake rotors and generate friction, which is used to bring your vehicle to a stop. There are two different types of brake pads: metallic and non-metallic. Metallic 4x4 brake pads are made with powdered metal, usually copper or bronze, and friction enhancing fillers.

They are more expensive than non-metallic pads, but they last longer and provide better stopping power. One drawback to metallic Chevy 4x4 brake pads is that they wear down your rotors faster, which means you will have to replace your rotors more often. Non-metallic 4x4 brake pads, which are also referred to as organic or soft, are made with high-temperature resins and organic fillers. These types of pads wear out faster than the metallic variety, but allow your rotors a longer life. No matter which type of brake pads your vehicle has installed, it is important to change them when the thickness of the lining drops below a quarter of an inch. If your brake pad lining thickness is less than an eighth of an inch, you risk having your brake rotors grind against the metal backing plate, which will damage your rotors and possibly your brake calipers as well.You’ll find a full line of 4x4 brake pads, both metallic and non-metallic, in our extensive online catalogue.