How To Service Your Brakes

 How To Service Your Brakes

Understanding your vehicle, how it operates is crucial. Most modern cars nowadays have disc brakes on both the front and back wheels. However, some are still fitted with drum brakes on the rear wheels. It is recommended for one to know how both the drum and disc brakes work. The disc brakes, for instance, have brake pads fitted on either side of the rotor, and once the brake pedal is pressed, it transfers the effect to the hydraulic chamber that, in turn, transmits it to the piston(s). That results in making each of the brake pads to squeeze the brake disc in between, causing friction and eventually stop. Having understood the type of brakes in your car and how they operate, another question arises, when and how should you service your brakes?

It is without a doubt that you replace brakes when they are worn out; however, servicing the parts of the brake without removing them poses a challenge to almost everyone. To ensure a safe ride, regular brake inspection, and servicing to rid of dirt buildup, rust or any parts sticking there is crucial. Just like other parts of the vehicle, servicing brakes will not only ensure a safer rise but also go a long way in preventing even more costly repairs.

Indicators that your brakes are due for servicing;

Metallic screeching especially in low speeds;

The screeching noise is often meant to show you that your brakes are worn out. The screeching suggests that you have about a quarter an inch of brake pad left, and you will need replacements soon.

Low or leaking brake fluids;

Low level of the brake fluid suggests that either your brakes are worn out, or you have a leak. Either way, it is time to service your brake system. Having the correct level of the brake fluid is crucial since it activates the caliber and creates the much-desired friction, and one needs to replace the fluid every 30000 miles entirely or preferably two years maximum. This will help prevent corrosion of the entire brake system.

Weird steering vibrations especially when you stop or when idling;

A lot of other reasons other than brakes can cause this effect; however, it is worth it to call for servicing and have a look. This should go hand in hand with strange smells, especially after a long drive. Other indicators here may be a grinding noise when braking and even taking longer than usual to bring your car to a complete stop.

The tips, as mentioned earlier, should be able to alert you to go for brake servicing well on time. However, it is also common sense that whenever it has been a while since you last had your brakes repaired, you should do it again since negligence may lead to malfunction, and trust me, you do not want to be near that vehicle when that happens.

Brake inspection pertains to checking the brake components, the calipers, the thickness of the brake shoe, the brake pad, and even the discs and through the removal of calipers and pads, cleaning using trusted brands like the non flammable brake cleaner, lubricating caliper brackets, and slide pins to curb seizing and sticking. You can also see to it that rotors are cleaned to prevent squeaking and remove rust, particularly around the edges. Finally, do not forget to look at the rear brake drum, here components are cleaned using a non flammable brake cleaner, and this helps to remove any rust on the drums.

Paul Petersen

Related post