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 Our
ASE certified techs can properly inspect the following brake components:
Disc Brakes:
Disc brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and a Caliper, which holds the Disc Brake
Pads.
 Hydraulic
pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor between the Disc Brake Pads.
This creates friction between the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop.
● Disc brake rotors and pads
● Calipers and hardware
Drum Brakes:
Drum
brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the wheel, a Wheel Cylinder,
Brake Shoes and Brake Return Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master
Cylinder causes the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the
Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or
stop your car.
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Brake drums and shoes
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Wheel cylinders
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Return springs
Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For
Safety
Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently
developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made, the ABS prevents
wheel lock-up. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor
wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on
and off rapidly, and the on-board computer. Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) ensure that the wheels don't stop rotating
during braking, preventing the car from skidding and offering greater
control. If your ABS light comes on, visit us and we
will be happy to diagnose and fix the problem.
Parking Brake:
The
Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the
rear brake.) This is used to prevent the car from rolling when not being
driven.
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Cables
Your vehicle's brake system is a culmination of over 100 years of
technological innovation, transforming crude stopping mechanisms into
dependable and efficient equipment. While brake systems vary by make and
model, the basic system consists of disc brakes in front and either disk
or drum brakes in back. Connected by a series of tubes and hoses, your
brakes link to each wheel and to the master cylinder, which supply them
with vital brake fluid (hydraulic fluid).
How It Comes Together:
When you first step on the brake pedal, you are triggering the release of
brake fluid into the system of tubes and hoses, which travel to the
braking unit at each wheel. You actually push against a plunger in the
master cylinder, releasing fluid. Brake fluid can't be compressed. It
moves through the network of tubes and hoses in the exact same motion and
pressure that initiated it. When it comes to stopping a heavy steel
machine at high speed, this consistency is a good thing. The performance
of your brakes can be affected when air gets into the fluid; since air can
compress, it creates sponginess in the pedal, which disrupts consistency,
and results in bad braking efficiency. "Bleeder screws" (located at each
wheel cylinder) remove unwanted air in your system.
A car without functioning brakes is dangerous. In many cases, warning
signs will tell you if your car's brakes may need service.
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Brake Service Warning signs include:
● Squealing or grinding noises when
using brakes. This could mean your brakes need to be adjusted or that your
brake pads are worn and need replacement.
● Your dashboard's Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) light turns on. This indicates that your brake fluid is low.
You may have a leak in your brake line. Get it inspected.
● While braking, your car pulls to one
side. This means that your brakes need adjustment, there is brake fluid
leakage, or your brakes are worn out and need replacement.
● Your brakes are hard to press down or
feel "spongy." Usually this means air has gotten into your brake lines or
you may have low brake fluid.
● When applying your brakes, your
steering wheel, brake pedal, or entire vehicle begins to shake. If this
happens, your brake rotors could be warped and need replacement.
● When
you notice any brake warning signs, contact our professional staff by
phone, or email, immediately and we'll take care of it.
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BRAKES &
BRAKE REPAIR
We want our customers to have the
opportunity to feel comfortable in their vehicle. You can leave the
repairs and services to our professionals, but please don't hesitate to
ask us questions about why a service is needed or how it occurred.
 We will
be happy to speak with you. Here is some valuable information on brake
issues and corrective services:
Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Brake pad problems can usually be identified by squealing brakes. If your
brake pads deteriorate completely, you'll hear a grinding metal-on-metal
sound when braking, meaning that it's too late and you're ruining your
rotors or drums! Those with knowledge of auto repair may be able to fix
this at home, but you should always see an auto repair professional
immediately if you have brake problems.
Resurface Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle's wheels. When
the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and wheels to a
stop. However, the friction causes grooves and cracks to appear over time.
Resurfacing brings the rotor back to a "like-new" condition, reducing
squealing and wobbling. We will give your rotors a
thorough inspection and recommend your best course of action.
Caliper Replacement
The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the rotor like a
clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A brake caliber
problem could cause uneven braking, making your car slide forward when you
brake. Uneven braking can also cause your vehicle to slide out of control
in bad weather conditions, so contact us as soon as
possible.
Brake Hoses
A brake hose is a tube carrying pressurized brake fluid from the master
cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause a lagged or slow brake,
and a leak in the hose can cause the brake, or the entire brake system, to
fail. These don't need to be replaced often, but should be replaced at the
first sign of cracking or wear.
Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid will absorb water from the air over time, causing the brake
system to become less effective and the fluid to become corrosive,
possibly damaging the system. It is important to perform a brake fluid
flush regularly to ensure that your vehicle is using fresh fluid. Talk to
our technicians about when it's time for a brake
fluid flush.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are found inside of wheels, allowing the wheels to spin
freely, and are connected to the brake system. They can become worn over
time, causing a vibrating suspension and noisy rubbing as the car is
driven. If they break completely, the vehicle will become very difficult
to control and unsafe to drive. Replacement interval for wheel bearings
varies greatly, but they should be checked for leaks and wear
periodically. We can make sure that your bearings are
in good shape and let you know if they need replacement.
Be Safe, Bring in Your Car or Light Truck and let us inspect,
maintain and service your brakes.
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Worn pads and shoes
replaced
