Aston Martin Brake Pads and Disc Inspection

Overview

Regular brake inspection is one of the simplest ways to prevent expensive Aston Martin running-cost surprises. This guide focuses on safe visual checks, wear patterns, and when inspection should turn into a specialist visit.

Applies to: v8-vantage, v12-vantage, db9, db11, dbs, dbs-superleggera, vanquish, dbx, vantage-v8, vantage, db12.

Tools and consumables

Tools

• Torch and inspection mirror: Helpful for viewing inner pad thickness.
• Wheel-removal tools: Optional, but useful for a more honest inspection.
• Tread depth or vernier gauge: Useful for comparative measurement, though official wear limits must come from the workshop manual.

Consumables

• Brake cleaner and cloths: For inspection only; avoid contaminating pads or discs.

Preparation

• Park on level ground, chock the vehicle if required, and let the brakes cool fully.
• Prepare lighting and any wheel-removal tools before starting.
• Know whether the car uses conventional steel or alternative high-performance brake hardware.

Access

• Inspect through the wheel first, then remove wheels if you need a more honest look.
• Check both inner and outer pads; the inner pad often tells the real story.
• Look at the full disc surface, not only the easy-to-see outer edge.

Remove

• Removal is not required for a basic inspection.
• If wear or damage is borderline, stop at inspection and move to specialist confirmation instead of dismantling further.

Install

• If wheels were removed, refit them only after all surfaces and fasteners are clean and correct.
• Use the exact wheel torque from the workshop information.

Final checks

• Confirm pad wear is even side to side and inner to outer where visible.
• Look for cracks, heavy lipping, heat spots, or corrosion ridges on the discs.
• Road-test carefully and stop if vibration, pull, or long pedal travel is present.

Torque and specs

When to stop and call a specialist

• If you find heavy scoring, cracks, very thin pads, or serious vibration.
• If disc wear looks uneven or if one side is much hotter than the other after gentle driving.
• If the brake pedal feel has changed and inspection does not clearly explain why.