Uneven wear on brake discs.

[Lovemyev]

Using a generic diag computer to put the handbrake in service mode, has resulted in it causing problems for some third party garages, even the dealers with the MG computer has been reported.
I believe that dealers have adopted an alternative method of releasing the pressure on the friction pads now, which is unknown.
With the pads removed, this then allows the hydraulic pistons to be retracted with the aid of a widely available wind back tool.
In this respect, there is nothing radically different in the process.
Of course carry out any type of work on the braking system demands a good level of knowledge and skills, or better left to people with both of the above.

 

[Tig170]

I believe that dealers have adopted an alternative method of releasing the pressure on the friction pads now, which is unknown.

... I've had an electronic brake for many years, yes you can use VCDS (in my case a VW), but it was more hassle than it was worth, the best way is to leave the handbrake off - and you can do the same on the MG4 - however if I'm honest I just can't see the rears getting so low that they'll ever need to be replaced.

 

[mikgle]

Yes it helps, but it shouldn't be necessary if the caliper designers had done their job correctly.
Single piston calipers are a compromise and are built to meet a price point but all the other cars I've owned including Ev's managed to apply fairly even pressure on their outer pads.

SAIC's design seems to have failed on this pretty fundamental aspect of caliper operation

There are many blogs on the fact that braking on an ev is mostly done by regeneration, so it helps to brake hard a couple times a week to clean off the discs and maybe free up the calipers ..

 

[Lovemyev]

however if I'm honest I just can't see the rears getting so low that they'll ever need to be replaced

The negative side of Regen braking is the biggest contributor factor here.
As the rear brakes get SO little use, then rust and pitting of the brake discs will develop at a much faster pace, than the ICE equivalent.
Therefore premature replacement of the discs and pads are common place.
Are the rear pads replaced then due to normal wear and tear ?.
Almost never TBH.
If we are talking about a totally normal condition wear and tear point of view, then yes the friction pad material would probably out last the whole life time of the car !.
This issue does not just affect MG EV’s of course, far from it !.

 

[Rolfe]

I believe VW are putting drum brakes on the rear of EVs.

 

[Lovemyev]

I believe VW are putting drum brakes on the rear of EVs.

Yes - This is correct on many of the VAG models.
I actually think it’s a great shout myself ?.

 

[Macadoodle]

MG5 at 143k and it's brakes are looking like new ! They are totally different calipers compared with the 4 and look like they work far better. Being FWD helps too though.

 

[LenEV2016]

MG5 at 143k and it's brakes are looking like new ! They are totally different calipers compared with the 4 and look like they work far better. Being FWD helps too though.

As you say better looking calipers

 

[tsedge]

It also depends where you live. It is all hills around me, so brakes get a good workout regardless of regen, although I stick to Adaptive mode.

I imagine those who live in East Anglia might hardly ever use the rear discs.

 

[Lovemyev]

Or Holland ?? ?