Brake problems are exciting in the movies but not in real life. Crossroads Automotive maintains and repairs all brake system types, including those on 4×4 automobiles. Brake inspections are generally recommended every 15,000 miles just to make sure there is nothing wrong with the system. Servicing your brakes regularly helps you avoid the following brake system problems.
Worn Brake Pads
If your brake pads are wearing down, your pad wear indicator or brake light might come on, you will hear squealing (especially when your vehicle is in motion), and you may hear grinding or scraping sounds when you stop. By the time you hear the grinding or scraping, the surface of the brake pads has worn off completely and the metal backing is scraping against the rotors.
Warped Rotors
When this happens, the pressure of the brake pad metal backings against the rotors warps them. Consequently, if you allow this to happen, you’ll end up replacing the brake pads and rotors instead of just the brake pads. If the rotors are warped, your vehicle will shake or vibrate as you stop. You will notice this shaking mostly in your brake pedal and/or steering wheel.
Low/Dirty Brake Fluid
Your vehicle’s brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps your automobile stop. This fluid can get dirty over time. It can also overheat if there are underlying problems with the brake system, or if you ride your brakes all the time. A general rule of thumb is to have the brake fluid changed every two years, but your vehicle’s manufacturer might recommend a different maintenance schedule.
Broken/Stuck Calipers
Brake calipers are the part that squeezes the brake pads into the rotors. Brake fluid is what pushes the calipers. Calipers can break or get stuck. They can also get road debris stuck in them. When this happens, your vehicle will pull to the side of the problematic caliper, i.e. to the right if the front, right caliper is the issue. Debris in the calipers can cause shaking or vibration.
Brake Line/Master Cylinder Trouble
Finally, when you press down on the brake pedal, the master cylinder releases brake fluid through the brake lines to the calipers. If the brake lines have air in them or are leaking, or if the master cylinder is leaking or is going bad, you might feel your brake pedal sink to the floor of your vehicle. Even if the pedal doesn’t sink all the way to the floor, it shouldn’t give way or feel spongy, either.
Set up an appointment with Crossroads Automotive’s auto shop in Topeka, KS. We’ll inspect your brakes and service or repair them if necessary.