Front Brake Repair – Avoiding Dragging

Dragging is an instance in which the brakes are engaged slightly without any application of the pedal. While dragging is not a serious threat to your safety or the longevity of your vehicle overall, you will begin to notice an increased consumption of gas and somewhat of a pull on your steering wheel.

Step 1 – Check Your Calipers For Any Signs Of Damage

If you are in the middle of replacing the rotors or discs, even the drums, it’s always a good idea to inspect the calipers. Bent, rusted or even slightly damaged calipers are able to cause dragging if not properly replaced or addressed. Calipers which show corroded mounting pins or bushings can also contribute to this issue.

Step 2 – Inspect Your Emergency Brake Cable

A simple fix; the emergency brake cable should be inspected during a service to ensure it isn’t sticking. Sticking can also result in an engaged brake while driving. You will be unable to tell whether the sticking is occurring by simply releasing the interior brake. The cable must be inspected as you work around the wheels. Make sure the cable is not overstretched. This is just one example where a simple maintenance checkup can work to prevent a more severe issue.

Step 3 – Inspect the Drum Brake

These drums comes with springs which act to retract and expand during brake use. Broken springs or those which have become overstretched can also be attributed to dragging. A simple replacement will easily address the issue and prevent any such occurrence from taking place. While you’re down there, take a minute to check over the self-adjusters. Just as with the springs, these items may become overstretched and require replacement in order to prevent dragging.

Step 4 – Re-inspect Each Component

By taking the time to inspect the wear patterns of the pads, you can obtain a fairly good idea of the cause of your dragging issue. If you happen to find uneven wearing on one side, it is most likely a sign that your calipers are at the root of the problem. Regular inspections and maintenance will only work to your benefit to prevent any unnecessary damages. Rotating tires regularly is another simple task to ensure that your vehicle is running up to par. Try keeping a record of your inspections, maintenance and brake repairs in order to keep yourself ahead of the game.

As always, if you’re still having dragging problems, it’s always a good idea to head into your local brake repair specialists for further insight. While you may have a vast knowledge of your vehicle and the components within it, sometimes all it takes is an extra set of eyes to catch something that was simply overlooked.