About Disc Brake Service
You are probably familiar with thedisc brakeservice interval listed in your car owner's manual. Besides, your vehicle may have an alert system that lets you know when the brakes need new pads. However, a visual inspection of the different brake components and careful attention to brakes behavior can also reveal the need for system service. So here are some obvious-and not so obvious-signs that will help you decide when to service your car brakes.Brake problems symptomsBrake problems symptoms can alert you to the need of system service or repair. Sometimes, however, you need to know what those symptoms are so that you can make a preliminary inspection, if necessary, before you decide to service your brakes.~Brake noises: Can you hear a grinding noise every time you step on the brake pedal? Usually, this is the metal tab indicator on the brake assembly telling you it's time to replace thebrake pads. If your brakes don't have this "alert" system, the pads may be worn out to the point where the rivets that hold the brake lining to the backing plate are starting to rub against the brake disc. Either way, you need to service your brakes as soon as possible.~ Other noises: Squeaky sounds, for instance, usually happen because one or more brake pads have become glazed; and rattling sounds may come from missing, disconnected or loose parts in the brake mechanism on one of the wheels.~ Brake pedal acting up: This is another clear sign you need to service your brake system. You apply thebrake pedaland it feels spongy. This could result from air in the system. On the other hand, you may find your brake pedal hard to activate. This may come from a frozen wheel cylinder or similar problem. Or you may feel the pedal pulsating every time you want to slow down or stop the vehicle. This could indicate a warped brake disc.Wheel brake assembly maintenance and problemsVisually inspecting the front and rear brake assemblies at regular intervals can reveal much about the condition of brake pads, brake shoes, discs and other parts.~ Thin brake pad lining: If you notice that the thinnest part on one of your pad's lining is thinner than its mounting back plate, you know it is time to replace thebrake padsor shoes.~ Brake disc damage: Scores, cracks, heat checks, and hard spot marks on the brake disc or drum are signs for concern. If not severe, you may solve the problem just by resurfacing the brake disc or drum; other times you may have to do a careful inspection and replace the damaged parts.~ Leaking boots and cups: Overtime, caliper pistons and wheel cylinders wear down. Leaks may develop. Visually inspect the rubber boot around the cylinder in the brake caliper or the piston cups in the wheel cylinder. If you find signs of fluid leaks, it's time to rebuild or replace the caliper or wheel cylinder.Other brake system problemsThe brake system in your vehicle is made up of different components. And one or more may cause trouble from lack of proper maintenance or miles of service.~ Brake booster problems: The brake booster may cause trouble or fail due to low fluid in the power steering pump (in hydraulic boosters); the vacuum hose may begin to leak; or the mechanism inside the booster itself may fail. You'll notice this type of problems when you have a hard time pressing down on the brake pedal.~ Brake system leaks: If you frequently addbrake fluidto the brake master cylinder, you might be dealing with a leak in the system. Leaks may happen in brake lines, in hoses that connect to the brake caliper, inside brake assemblies, or even thebrake master cylinderitself.If you become aware of a potential brake problem symptom or find one or more of these problems during your inspection, you may be able to fix it yourself with the help of the repair manual for your specific vehicle make and model. Just remember that brake service goes beyond checking brake fluid level and condition and replacing worn out brake pads. Do a visual inspection of the system at regular intervals. It will help you keep the system working properly and problems at a minimum.
