Your vehicle's brakes are obviously very important; neglecting needed repair or replacement for any brake part can be dangerous for you and for other drivers on the road. This can also mean allowing a small fix to become a very expensive repair job.
Understanding some basics about your vehicle's brakes can help you to better understand when and why they should be maintained and may need servicing. Note a few factors to consider about properly maintained brakes, and discuss the need for new brakes on your vehicle with your mechanic as needed:
The basics of brakes
Inside your vehicle's front wheel well, there is a large, rounded disc called a rotor. This rotor is attached to the axle, and it spins along with the tyres when you're driving. The brakes are actually clips or callipers that squeeze against this rotor when you apply the brake pedal; the brake pads are inside the callipers, and these are the parts that come into contact with the rotor. The friction of the brake pads against the rotor slows them down so that the axle stops spinning, as do the tyres.
When rotors need repair or replacement
The rotors of your vehicle's braking system may wear down from the friction of the pads being pressed and squeezed against them, and then suffer grooves, notches, and other such damage. When this happens, those pads can't squeeze the rotors evenly, and they may not slow down and stop rotating as easily. You may also feel shaking in the tyres or steering wheel when this happens.
Rotors can be turned, which is when they're put through a special type of grinder that buffs the surface smooth if they're still thick enough. After a few turnings, however, they may get very thin and would then need replacing.
Callipers
The pads inside the callipers typically wear down and need replacing most often, but the callipers can also fail. The springs that work to push them against the rotors may start to stiffen, so they don't allow the callipers to open completely when you let up on the brake pedal. If the springs start to wear out, you may need to virtually stand on the brake pedal to get the brakes to work, as the callipers are not easily closing around the rotor. Worn springs can also cause the callipers to come out of proper alignment with the rotor, so they stick and don't open as they should, and you'll feel resistance after taking your foot off the brake pedal. In these cases, the callipers typically need to be replaced.
Contact companies that offer a brake service for more information and assistance.
Share16 June 2017
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Holden, and I have been a lover of driving for as long as I can remember. I have taken driving trips across deserts and icy tundras. I have also raced on pristine roadways, and I have explored small dirt tracks through the mountains. The key to success, I have learned, is choosing the right tyres, making sure your wheels are in top shape and fixing your suspension. I love to write so I decided to create a blog on these topics. If you have questions, I hope you can find the answers you need here.
