BRAKE JOBS

WHAT IS A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB?

The brakes are the most important safety system on a vehicle, so a complete brake job should cover every aspect of the system. It should start with a thorough visual inspection of the entire brake system. This includes measuring lining thickness front and rear, the condition of the lines, hoses, calipers and wheel cylinders, the appearance and condition of the brake fluid, checking pedal feel and travel, and the brake and ABS warning lights (lights should come on then go out when the ignition is turned on). Only after the inspection has been completed should any repair recommendations be made.

The ABS system is often overlooked when doing brake work on late model cars. If the ABS warning light is on, there is a fault that needs to be investigated. This will require plugging a scan tool into the vehicle’s diagnostic connector to read out the diagnostic trouble code(s). If the light is out (and is not burned out), it’s usually safe to assume the ABS system is functioning properly — unless the vehicle has been experiencing any unusual brake problems or the ABS system has been kicking in unnecessarily when braking normally on dry pavement. There may be an issue that will require additional diagnosis.

A test drive is an excellent way to evaluate overall brake performance. But unfortunately many techs don’t have the time to test drive every vehicle they work on. Because of this, problems may be overlooked that may cause a comeback later.

WHAT IS CHECKED?

  1. Replacing any cracked, chaffed, swollen, or leaking hoses
  2. Changing steel lines that are leaking, kinked, badly corroded or damaged
  3. Rebuilding or replacing a leaking caliper or wheel cylinder
  4. Replacing caliper if it has a seized piston or guide pins (look for uneven pad wear)
  5. Checking for master cylinder leaks or a brake pedal that sinks to the floor
  6. Inspecting rotors and drums and measure for wear, heat cracks, warping, rust or other damage; replace if there is any irreparable damage
  7. Changing the brake hardware when replacing brake pads or shoes
  8. Replacing shoe retaining clips and return springs on drum brakes
  9. Replacing self-adjusters if they are corroded or frozen
  10. Service wheel bearings on most rear-wheel drive vehicles and some front-wheel drive cars
  11. Lubricate key areas like shoe pads and caliper slides with high temperature brake lubricant
  12. Checking brake fluid, flush the brake fluid and bleed all the lines if needed
  13. Examine, and then adjust the parking brake
  14. Resolve any ABS system fault codes or replace any faulty components like wheel speed sensors, accumulator or hydraulic modulator

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