Like many automotive problems, the brake system has ways of telling us when there is something wrong. Disc brakes consist of five major components. Rotors, calipers, brake pads, master cylinder, and the brake lines your fluid runs through. The rotors spin at wheel speed. The brake pads are in the brake calipers on each side of the disc. When you step on the brake pedal, pressure is built up in the master cylinder and travels through your brake lines to the brake pistons on the calipers. This force pushes the brake pads against the rotors, causing friction to slow the vehicle.
Here are the most common signs that something is wrong with your brake system:
- A grinding or squealing sound when braking.
- Pulling to one side during braking.
- Increased pressure is needed to depress the brake pedal.
- Brake warning lights illuminated to notify you of a possible brake issue
- Pulsation or vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal
- Burning odor after braking
- Brake pedal sinks closer to the floor than usual or needs more force than usual
- Spongy brake pedal
- It takes longer to stop than normal
- Puddles of brake fluid on the ground under your car
The most probable explanation for grinding brakes is metal-to-metal contact because of worn pads. Brakes operate on friction between the pads and rotors; metal-to-metal contact makes for too little friction and ineffective brakes. Metal-to-metal contact will also damage the rotors. Rusted rotors can cause squealing noises. Brake pad manufacturers often include a wear indicator on the brake pads. This device makes a squeaking noise when the indicator touches the rotor, telling you it is time to change the brake pads.
Pulling left or right while braking means the brakes on one side are not working and must be fixed. Since you may have only 50% of your normal braking ability, this is dangerous and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
If you need more brake pedal force than usual to slow down, there are two possible problems. Modern cars have power brakes powered by a vacuum power booster. The power booster may need replacement, or the master cylinder may be worn out.
The brake warning light is triggered by certain malfunctions and differs for each manufacturer. For example, the light will turn on if some cars’ brake fluid is low. Others may be triggered by the brake pedal going more down than usual when depressed. This light is red for a purpose. The conditions that trigger it are severe, and we need to investigate.
The usual explanation for pulsation or vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal is that brake rotors are out of round. If you feel it in the steering wheel, the likely culprit is the front brakes. The rears are the likely problem if you only notice it in the brake pedal.
A burning smell after braking is likely due to overuse of the brakes. It may happen on a long, downhill grade or if you must abruptly slow down multiple times in a short period.
If the brake pedal sinks closer to the floor than usual when you brake, or you must push harder than typical to slow down, you may have a failing master cylinder. Another possibility is a brake fluid leak in the system, or there may be air in the lines. The brake pedal feels spongy or soft when brake fluid is not flowing correctly through your brake lines. Our technician will bleed the brakes to purge air from the system.
The master cylinder transfers the pressure you put on your vehicle’s brake pedals to the brake pads via the brake fluid. The master cylinder has seals that wear over time, leak brake fluid out of the system, and let air into it. If this is diagnosed, we will replace the master cylinder.
Brake lines and hoses convey brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. Hoses are made of rubber and are flexible so that they can move with the suspension. These hoses will be inspected for cracks and leaks. Leaks can also happen in the calipers; they have seals that wear out.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we have dedicated brake repair experts. Call us at 510-793-6067 or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any auto service you require.