Frequently Asked Brake Repair Questions

Q
How do I know if I have brake problems and need service or repair?
A If at any time you have an indication of a brake problem, bring your car in right away for an inspection. We care about your safety. That’s why we offer a free brake inspection.
  • Squealing noise

    If your brakes grab with the slightest touch you may have something loose in your brake system. Then again, it could indicate something in the linings of your brakes such as grease or oil contamination.

  • Pulling

    When your car is pulling from one side to another while braking it could be anything from a sticking caliper, worn disc hardware, bad brake hose, misadjusted brakes or even low tire pressure or other safety components.

  • Shaking / Vibration

    If you are experiencing any shaking/vibrating in your pedal or steering wheel the most common cause is a warped rotor. We would recommend coming in as soon as possible for our free brake inspection.

  • Brake Light

    When your brake indicator light comes on it is an indication of a problem and it could be a serious one. This could lead to brake failure.

  • Low Pedal

    This condition could be signs of something simple or serious. A brake pedal that almost touches the floor before the brakes work could just indicate a need for an adjustment or could be the sign of failing components.

  • Hard Pedal

    Hard pedals often indicate damaged brake linings, power brake trouble or other problems.

  • ABS Light On

    This could be anything from low brake fluid to a bad component which could be a minor to a serious problem, but in most case it will only cause your Anti lock brake system to stop working and your regular brakes to work which will allow to be able to go into a skidding stop on emergency braking.

  • Grab

    If your brakes grab with the slightest touch you may have something loose in your brake system. Then again, it could indicate something in the linings of your brakes such as grease or oil contamination.

Q
How does the brake system work? What are cylinders, discs, and drums?
ABefore there were seat belts, air bags, power brakes and anti-lock brakes, there were always brakes. Brakes are the primary safety feature on your vehicle.

Master Cylinder: When your are stepping on your brake pedal you are pushing brake fluid threw your brake lines down to each of your wheels the pistons in your master cylinder creates pressure which allows you to stop.

Disc Brakes: When you step on the brake pedal, the brake fluid becomes pressurized. This pressure causes the caliper piston to extend which pushes the outer brake pad against the rotor. Then the caliper shifts outward sliding on the caliper mounting bolt and disc hardware forcing the inner brake pad against the rotor. This sandwiching effect creates friction against the turning rotor, which stops your vehicle. When you release the brake pedal the caliper seal pulls the piston back and retracts the pad away from the rotor and the caliper sifts inward to it’s original position.

Drum Brakes: When you step on the brake pedal the brake fluid becomes pressurized. This pressure forces the wheel cylinder pistons to extend outward forcing the primary and secondary shoes against the drum creating friction against the turning drum which stops your vehicle. When you release the brake pedal the return springs pull the shoes away from the drum returning the shoes to their original position.

Not found your question? Just ask us!

Not found your question? Just ask us!