Rear brake pad has turned yellowish colour?

[Mr_E85Bim]

Would appreciate any advice...

My passenger side rear brake pad appears to have gone a yellowish orange colour? For a while now they would make a squeak/chirping sound when the brakes would heat up. I have been delaying changing them as I have been waiting for the weather to improve. But the other day I noticed the material has discoloured quite significantly. It's from the surface that makes contact with the disc moving deeper into the brake pad material.

I'm guessing it must be some sort of contamination while they were still hot?

Thanks gents

 

[SB73]

I have never seen standard friction materials change colour to yellow/orange - I expect this is a type of corrosion with the friction material if the car has been stood.

Pads tend to squeak when the friction material & brake discs heat up, they are also prone to noise during the summer months when there is less rain. If the braking surface on the discs is scored or corroded this can also contribute to brake squeal.

I'd recommend changing to a quality set of brake pads (there are loads of brands available, avoid budget as these can be noisy and some premium for not a heavy expense) and using coated discs to prevent corrosion.

 

[Mr_E85Bim]

I have never seen standard friction materials change colour to yellow/orange - I expect this is a type of corrosion with the friction material if the car has been stood.

Pads tend to squeak when the friction material & brake discs heat up, they are also prone to noise during the summer months when there is less rain. If the braking surface on the discs is scored or corroded this can also contribute to brake squeal.

I'd recommend changing to a quality set of brake pads (there are loads of brands available, avoid budget as these can be noisy and some premium for not a heavy expense) and using coated discs to prevent corrosion.

Thanks for the advice SB.

The discs were changed a couple of years ago, according to the receipts I have. Car has done less than 10k miles since. They look fine on the outside at least. They also feel quite smooth with little to no lip.

Will definitely order some decent pads. Just want to make sure I don't need any other parts. Would be a pita if I discover this while installing pads...

 

[SB73]

Also good practice to replace the retaining spring clips as these can corrode and loose tension. Some brake pad brands include these in the box with the pads, occasionally they need to be purchased separately.

I replaced front & rear discs & pads on my 2003 Z4 last July, brake pad feel is very good, minimal brake dust on the alloys and no squeal.

Front:

Rear: