Just like shock absorbers or clutches, brakes are essential safety components in the automotive industry. The brakes must be in perfect working condition to guarantee real safety and also because the traffic regulations require it.
Disc brakes and drum brakes
Most vehicles use disc brakes generally mounted at the front, or drum brakes mounted at the rear. But you may also encounter other configurations like most modern cars have brakes on all four wheels, operated by a hydraulic system.
Brake wear: symptoms, causes and solutions
Whether disc or drum brakes, they heat up and wear out as they convert the car’s speed into heat. In this post, we will look at the symptoms, which should lead to verification or replacement of the brakes.
Five Observed Symptoms
1. The pedal is hard, and it takes a lot of effort to get a brake
Possible reasons:
Problem with the brake assist (brake servo).
– Wear and tear of gaskets or inserts.
– Wheel calliper or cylinder seized in the case of the drum brake.
– Brake pads or pads soiled with brake fluid.
What to do about it?
Replacement of the entire brake assist system.
– Checking the gaskets or discs before replacing them if necessary.
– Check the calliper or wheel cylinder and, if necessary, repair or replace it.
– After locating the leak, repair it and replace the seals or dirty pads.
2. The front brakes are growling
Possible reasons:
Front brake pad with worn disc up to the sheet metal
What to do about it?
Replacement of discs and pads.
3. The pedal softens gently
Possible reasons:
Leakage of hydraulic fluid between the first and second body of the master cylinder (rare).
– Trapped air in the hydraulic system (rare).
What to do about it?
Replacement of the emergency master cylinder after identifying the leak.
– Bleeding the hydraulic system
4. The vehicle pulls to one side during braking
Possible reasons:
Uneven wear of discs or gaskets.
– Wheel calliper or cylinder seized.
– Brake linings or pads soiled with brake fluid.
What to do about it?
Check and change the inserts or gaskets if necessary.
– Check the calliper or wheel cylinder and, if necessary, repair or change it.
– After locating the leak, repair it and replace the seals or dirty inserts.
5. Vibrations felt in the pedals
Possible reasons:
Defective disc or drum.
What to do about it?
Check and repair or replace the disc or drum if necessary.
Regular revision of the braking system
The braking system consists of several components, including discs or pads or drums, and the liquid. It is essential not to miss the brake overhaul and to read the maintenance logbook, which provides you with all the information you need.
Several operations are possible at particular intervals:
| Elements | Action to be taken | Year or mileage |
|---|---|---|
| Brake fluid | Check out | 10 000 km |
| Brake discs | Check out | 20 000 km |
| Front brake pads | Replace | 30 000 km |
| Rear brake pads | Replace | 30 000 km |
| Drum brake lining | Check out | 60 000 km |
| Braking circuit | Drain the liquid | 2 years (or 60 000 km) |
Price of the brake overhaul
The cost of maintaining a car is such that it is recommended to make well-considered comparisons before embarking on too costly repairs:
– Read the instructions given by the manufacturer and in particular, the duration of your warranty in this regard.
– The price differences between the front and rear disc brakes reflect the price difference between the different components of the braking system.
– For example, at a car centre, you can find a price difference of $50 between the front and rear disc brakes. Packages can sometimes be advantageous in this case, but you should be careful about the details of the operations carried out.
– Knowing your mechanic can also save you unjustified expenses.
DIY Repairs: simple diagnosis but complicated maintenance
The various symptoms of defective brakes are easy to detect if you pay attention to the behaviour of your vehicle. However, the verification or change of certain parts requires specific tools and equipment. Also, the manufacturer’s warranty imposes standards that must be applied; otherwise, this warranty will be lost in the event of a problem related to improper intervention. It is, therefore, preferable to contact a professional, whether a manufacturer, car centre or car repairer.
Are you having trouble making up your mind?
At times, it may be challenging to choose a garage for your vehicle. You can leave the care to the experts at Julian’s Garage to handle your brake repairs, regular and synthetic oil changes, transmission repairs, safety inspections, computer diagnostics and more.
Hope this post helps you out. Do not forget to jot down your comments in the section below.
