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| New Brakes? |
Signs of brake problems often fall into one of three categories: making noise, a pulsation in the brake pedal, or the brake pedal goes unusually to the floor (seems very soft).
Let's explore each of these situations.
Brakes are Noisy
Most brake pads have an audible brake wear indicator. This is a small piece of metal that rubs on your brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point they should be replaced. The noise is a chirp or soft squeal. This noise gives the automobile owners enough warning to get their brakes serviced while there is still enough brake pad left to enable you to stop safely.
Car owners who ignore the chirp commonly find that the sound changes to a grinding noise. That is more serious situation. It means that the friction material on your brake pad is worn away and metal parts of the brake are grinding against the rotor when you press on the brakes. Obviously, this harmful metal-on-metal means that your brakes aren’t stopping very well. It also means that your rotor is being damaged. The rotors may also need to be replaced.
There may other reasons why you are hearing the grinding:
- The rotors are rusty
- The backing plate at the rear of the brakes has been bent and is rubbing on the moving parts of the brakes
Whatever the reason, a grinding noise is a serious indicator that it’s time for a brake inspection.
Pedal Pulsation
Pedal pulsation is that feeling you get as you press on the brake pedal. You may even feel the steering wheel shake as well. Most commonly this means your rotors have become warped usually from over heating. This kind of heat generated warping is often because of late and hard braking during heavy traffic. Another reason for the overheating is that one or more of the calipers is seizing thus holding the pads against the rotor even when your foot is off the brake pedal. A less common situation occurs when your rotor is not in perfect alignment, it pushes against the brake pads unevenly as you apply the brakes. There could be a number of reasons for this. The rotor and wheel hub may not be mating well, causing the rotor to be spinning out of vertical alignment. This dangerous misalignment can be caused by either the rotor or the hub, or a combination of the two. If this trouble persists, the rotor may even start to wear unevenly to the point that its thickness varies, causing an even more noticeable pulsation. This uneven mating of the brake pad and the rotor when braking means less contact and it will diminish braking power.
Again, brake pulsation is a serious indicator that it’s time for a brake inspection.
Soft Pedal
When you press the brake pedal and the pedal goes quickly to the floor, or seems very soft, or the brakes don't completely work, this is a very serious issue. You should immediately stop the vehicle and get it towed to you nearest auto service provider. (A good reason to carry CAA) The reasons for this situation can be:
- You have a broken brake line
- The brake fluid is low in the system
- One or more of your brake calipers has failed
Again, a soft brake pedal is a serious indicator that it’s time for a brake inspection.. but this time get your vehicle towed to your service provide.
Next Step
If you have either of these indicators the next step is a full brake inspection by a licensed auto technician. A full brake inspection is recommended to be sure all parts of the brakes are thoroughly investigated... that includes the brake pads or shoes, rotors or drums and the brake calipers.
The Importance of Regular Brake Maintenance
A regular brake inspection will avoid many brake disasters like above, give you early warning to brake problems starting, and avoid an expensive brake replacement job. No brake last forever, you will have to replace your brakes eventually as they naturally wear as part of their function but an early diagnosis of problem arising can just mean a Brake Service is required with not part replaced. In a brake service and professional auto technician will clean, adjust and lubricate your brake components so they are functioning well again, and will last longer before you have to replace them.
Check the brakes regularly
A great time to have your auto technician take a peak at your brakes is during your seasonal tire swap. While they have your tires off they can do a visual inspection of you brakes. While not a full inspection, as they don't take the brakes apart, the technician may see a warning sign and suggest an full brake inspection.
Also, at each time you do an oil change, ask the technician to rotate your tires. This will have two benefits. First they can do a quick visual inspection of the brakes. Secondly, rotating your tires make sure all four of your tires are wearing evening.
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