Brake Service and Repairs Tips
Even with the advancement in computer controlled anti-lock brake systems they still rely on the traditional hydraulic brake technology that has been stopping cars for over 70 years. The biggest difference from non anti-lock is the computer that controls the system and its wheel speed sensors that tell the computer when a wheel is locking up or stopped. If your anti-lock light (ABS) comes on the computer found a fault and turned off the anti-lock system. Good thing is as long as the red BRAKE light is out you still have brakes just not ABS controlled. The red BRAKE light warns the driver of brake failure or if the parking brake is on.
Anti-lock brake and the traditional brake systems require the same amount of maintenance. Anti-lock systems ad the control systems and sensors so more attention is needed – depending on the kind of problem you have. Here are some of the problems you may encounter with your brakes:
Leaks
Once you see that the red BRAKE warning light is on, it is possible you have a leak in. You can’t ignore leaks because you may have problems with your brake system in times you need it most. You need to check the reservoir, cylinders and hoses for possible leaks.
Slippage
You will notice that the car jerks when braking. Oil contamination on the braking materal might be the cause of it. Resurfacing the rotors and or the drums and cleaning the pads or shoes to eliminate any oil, grease or other debris can help but what contaminated them must be addressed.
Dragging
If you experience dragging brakes, this is an indication of faulty caliper or sticking parking brake. If it is not resolved quickly, your fuel consumption can increase and cause major damage to pads and shoes, drums and rotors or other braking parts, remember dragging brakes create heat and in extreme cases start a fire. Other reasons are jammed disc brakes, corroded pins, misaligned brake cables or uneven self-adjusters.
Noisy Brakes
When you hear a scraping or squealing noise on your car while driving or stopping it can indicate that the pads have worn to the warning indicator, Yes there is a warning indicator built into most (but not all) brake pads that alert the driver that the pads are getting thin and need to be replaced. A great time to have your brakes inspected is when you have the oil changed, most good shops don’t charge for this and are happy to ease your mind. This service needs a professional and cant be done at the box store quick lube by the recently elevated cart boy.
If these issues are recurring, you may need to have brake service and repairs done for your car. If you did not originally own the car or bought it used, you will need to have it thoroughly checked at a service center that has experienced ASE certified mechanics on staff to repair, service or replace your brakes.
Newer anti-lock braking systems are more difficult to service, for vintage cars, the usual traditional brake systems are installed. In some cases in these older models, up grade or complete replacement of the braking systems may be required because the parts are harder to find and fix. Doing brake service and repairs for this kind of car it’s harder to deal with. When you are looking for a service and repair center that can handle both types of braking systems, Concord Mechanical in Springville New York is the areas highest rate service center. Contact Concord Mechanical today.
