Rear Brakes T5.

[Transporter]

When replacing the brake pads yourself make sure that you check the surface of the brake disc, since it could have the cracks in the surface that could cause the brake disc to disintegrate under heavy braking while driving, which can be very dangerous.

I wanted to replace the rear brake pads today on my T5 and I've noticed that brake discs have cracks in the surface probably right through the thickness of the wall (vented rotors). Instead I had to put the wheels back on and I have to get a new set of discs tomorrow. Rotors have marked the "MIN TH. 0.748”, which indicate they are probably, made in USA or UK.


Brake disc crack T5.jpg

Brake disc crackT5.jpg

Van done only 65,000km and these are original brakes.

[BrianJ]

Thanks for the info, I notice my front discs already have a visible ridge around the edge at 50,000k, must be very soft metal.

Can you let us know what the rears cost.

Brian

[Transporter]

Thanks for the info, I notice my front discs already have a visible ridge around the edge at 50,000k, must be very soft metal.

Can you let us know what the rears cost.

Brian

They cost around $170 each, aftermarket, but ATE brand.
Ridge is not a problem as long as the surface is smooth. I was hoping that I could continue using the rotors (planned to replace them with second set of brake pads). Obviously not then.

[t4 camper]

Are you certain it is a crack?
The line looks remarkably similar to the profile of the disc pad.
Does not appear to go to the outer edge or start on the inner lip. [in photo]
Curves at each end and the bend in the middle are strange for a crack.
Wonder what caused it to crack in the shape of the pad.
Neil C

[Transporter]

It is definitely crack. Actually the three of them and I used fingernail to feel it and the scriber too both were catching in the crack. I also used the white paint on the crack and after I wiped paint off the paint stayed in the crack. The left side is similar 2 smaller cracks there. The ridge is 0.8mm deep, there is no brake pad pressure at the edge, so the cracks will appear on the active surface first.

[zoinks]

shouldn't this come under warranty? Faulty rotor(s)?

[coastie]

If the crack is the shape of the edge of the pad could this have been caused by the handbrake or urgent application of the brakes. Just hypothesising about the cause.

[Transporter]

shouldn't this come under warranty? Faulty rotor(s)?

The van is out of warranty. Brake warranty is usually 20,000km (from the most manufacturers)

[Transporter]

If the crack is the shape of the edge of the pad could this have been caused by the handbrake or urgent application of the brakes. Just hypothesising about the cause.

It's a good point, but I don't put handbrake on too tight and so far, I didn't have to use it in emergency.

[jets]

Have you ever washed the van when the brakes are hot & squirted cold water at the wheels? I know solid discs can warp,I don't know what happens to ventilated rotors.