Brake Repair Potential Complications You Should Be Aware Of

Dec 29
10:20

2011

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

This article discusses possible brake repair complications that could happen in a vehicle. It explains how it could happen.

mediaimage
Brake repair is something that should happen eventually to any vehicle. The car will experience wear and tear as it is driven. The braking system is one of the most used in any vehicle. This is mainly because when the driver wishes to slow down,Brake Repair Potential Complications You Should Be Aware Of Articles make a turn or achieve a full stop, he or she will step on the brakes. The system operates on friction which is caused by the pads meeting the surface of the rotors when the driver initiates the stop.

Common Problems

One of the more common problems that occur in the braking system is a worn out pad or pads. In many cases, the pads wear out basically at the same time or more or less the same time. In some vehicles, the front may wear out faster than the back or vice versa. Brake repair for this problem is usually just to replace the worn out pads with new ones. The issue becomes bigger if the manifestations of a worn out pad is ignored initially. The signs usually consists of a spongy response from the pedal when the driver steps on it or a delayed response altogether as well as a whining or squeaking sound when the driver steps on the brakes. If these and other signs are ignored, the problem may get more complicated and costly. Pads that are worn out to the very end may result to showing their metal bases. These can make grooves and lines on the rotors thus making them inefficient even if the pads are eventually replaced. The job of just replacing worn pads is now a bigger one because the rotors may need to be resurfaced or even replaced. These mean a higher charge from the service garage.

The fluid that is used to facilitate the braking action can be easily refilled or replaced when the time comes. Complications set in when this is not replaced or checked regularly. The cost of the fluid is basically low but if this does not improve the state of the system more brake repair may be needed. The entire hose system may need to be flushed and cleaned. Usually, the culprit is either an obstruction in the lines or a pinched pipe. The obstruction may be accumulated rust, debris or even air that has found its way into the system.

Dragging brakes can also be a source of a problem. The manifestation is when the pedal rises slowly from being depressed. It is supposed to rise up immediately after being let go but when it takes several seconds before it goes back to its original state then it is dragging. Brake repair for this problem can be to check the cylinders if one or more is stuck or to check the handbrake if it is stuck and then address it. Not giving this any attention can result to worn out pads and overheated rotors. This can be dangerous because the braking system may suddenly give way due to the heat or the constant friction.

These are just a few of the possible complications that arise when a problem with the brakes is ignored and left for another day.