Brake Repair - How Brakes Function

Brakes are one of the most important working parts in your car, so when something is critically wrong with them, you should immediately seek out brake repair before driving the car again. In order to bring your car to a quick and reliable stop, leverage, hydraulic force and friction are utilized. Leverage is created using the driver's own leg pressure along the brake pedal. The pedal connects to the back of the power booster, which transfers the force of the leverage to a master cylinder by way of an engine vacuum or hydraulic pump. The leverage transfers brake fluid into the hydraulic calipers and cylinders in your wheel. This pressure is then used to create friction, which stop your wheels from turning. Depending on the force applied to the pedal, the brakes will respond accordingly.

Without brakes, your car would be totally unusable. There are two types of ABS, or automobile braking systems: friction and electromagnetic. The friction ABS operates by turning the friction into heat energy and operates in two distinct ways. The electromagnetic system works a little differently, applying the natural resistance of a magnet to create the heat energy needed for friction. These two types of system are not very different from each other. Each system uses heat energy to halt your vehicle, but both are composed of different parts and processes.

Friction systems can come in two different varieties. In a friction based braking system, the friction comes from rubbing two different parts together in a controlled manner. A drum brake utilizes a set of brake shoes, which press against the inside of a drum-like mechanism. The drum is connected to your wheel hub, systematically slowing your wheel according to the level of pressure applied by the pedal.

A disc braking system uses a cast iron or ceramic disc connected to the axle or the wheel. Pressure is then applied by the brake pads rubbing against the sides of the disc. This produces the required friction necessary to halt your wheel. The main difference between a drum and disc system is different mechanisms. Disc systems have a hydraulic caliper with pads attached, while drum systems have a hydraulic cylinder pushing a shoe inside a spinning drum. Each system is a complex assembly of multiple moving parts that create the three things necessary for stopping your vehicle: leverage, friction, and hydraulic force.

An electromagnetic system is somewhat different, but works to achieve the same results. The electromagnetic brakes create resistance through induction, and is composed of three different parts: field, hub and armature. The magnetic field attracts to the armature, applying torque that makes it's way through the field's housing. This stopping torque then enacts on the car's frame, effectively decelerating the vehicle in precise and quick timing. Much like their friction based counter-parts, electromagnetic systems achieve the same end by slightly different means.

Knowing the inside of your car is the key to keeping it running smoothly and safely. With even a little bit of knowledge about the systems of your car, it becomes easier to maintain and to understand your mechanic following any brake repair procedures. Be sure to look into what sort of brakes your own car has so that when something goes wrong, you'll know how much you'll probably spend on brake repair!

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Brake Repair - Getting Questions Answered

When it comes to brake repair, many people have questions. Though this is a job that you should consider having a trained and licensed technician to handle, some people who have solid do it yourselfer skills will be able to handle the task on their own. The braking system of the vehicle can be a bit of a challenge to manage, though. Because of this, it is quite important to have all of the information you can about the vehicle before you dive in to any replacement project. If you have questions, it is important to know where to find answers, too.

Manufacturers First

Whenever you need information about your vehicle, including for brake repair, turn to your vehicle's manufacturer. Many people will find that slight differences in the makeup of each vehicle can make a significant difference in the process of handling the project. More so, if you were to do anything wrong or against the manufacturer's guidelines, you could void any warrantee that you may have in place. That could end up costing you in the long run, too. Make sure that your first step is to check the owner's manual or the online resources set up by the manufacturer for any repairs.

Online Tutorials and Guides

Perhaps one of the best ways to learn the step-by-step approach to brake repair is to simply talk to a technician. However, when you are at home and trying to avoid spending a lot of money on the process, you likely do not have a trained professional by your side. Rather, turn to the web. Numerous experts have very detailed information and reports online to help you through the process. It can take just a matter of minutes to get your questions answered this way. These tutorials, again, should be specific to your vehicle's makeup to ensure that you have no trouble getting the job done properly.

Keep in mind that the old resources are still there. For example, it used to be very popular for individuals to head to the library to pull out a copy of one of the auto guides and to get all of the information necessary to make changes in the vehicle. While these guides are still available, keep in mind that some of them are now online, too. You may have to pay for access to some of the best websites, though.

Brake repair should be something you plan to do properly. Before you rip off the tire and get the process started, though, get your questions answered. It is also important to take steps to reduce any risk of mistakes. Redoing the brakes or having a faulty system in place can be costly and even life threatening in some cases.

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Brake Repair - Discover Why Your Warning Light Is On

There are multiple reasons why you want to get regular service on your car. In addition to checking things like tire pressure, fuses, oil and more, it's important to point out other issues. For instance, if you're having, problems with your brakes, you made need to get brake repair fast. One of the first things that alerts you to a problem is the warning light that can come on. There are various reasons that cause the light to illuminate and it's important to explore them in order to rule out any other serious problems and possibly do brake repair.

Brake fluid low
One of the most common reasons for a warning light to come on is the fact that you're low on fluid. This substance is necessary in order for you to properly stop your car. Without it, you could end up in serious trouble and definitely need brake repair. Keep in mind that this type of fluid is responsible for keeping things moving in your brake system.

If there isn't enough fluid available to keep things going, your system could stop working. That's why the warning light comes on as a reminder that you need to fill your levels as soon as possible to ensure you don't have an accident. Just make sure that the fluid is filled up, but not so that it overflows.

There's a leak
It can be very frustrating to know you just put the right fluid in, but within a short period of time, you realize it's low again. This can cause your warning light to come on when the fluid is low and go off when it is not low. Yet, if you notice that this continues to happen, you'll need to meet with a mechanic as soon as possible to figure out why this incident is happening.

Oftentimes, it's usually a leak and a professional will need to fix it so that excess fluid doesn't seep into the linings. This can make you stop unevenly and then your car could pull to one side, which is extremely dangerous and means you need brake repair. Also, a leak can damage padding, which means you'll have to get brand new ones since this padding is not fixable.

Parking brake up
Another possible cause for the warning light to come on can be related to the parking brake. Often times, having it up, even just a little, can send off a warning to the car. Usually, this may happen more often in vehicles with a manual transmission, since you have to keep the parking lever up just to be sure the car doesn't roll back. So, before running off and getting brake repair, be sure the parking lever is all the way down.

Also, sometimes even if you have the parking lever all the way down, it may just need some adjusting in order to get the warning light off. Furthermore, keep in mind that a light will come on just to inform you that the parking lever is up, so it's important not to confuse it with a fluid issue.

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Brake Repair - Day In The Life Of A Car That Needs It

If an automobile needs brake repair, it may be trying to tell its owner about it. Problem is, sometimes the motorist is just too busy, distracted or broke to do anything about it. Brakes, though, are not something to procrastinate about. Not being able to stop a speeding vehicle is dangerous to the automobile, the driver, the passengers and all people, autos and property in the surrounding vicinity. Not taking care of an integral part of the operating systems will only lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs. Here's what the day in the life of a car needing brake repair might seem like.

Morning

In the morning, it's time to start up and drive the owner to work again. It's high traffic commute time with much congestion and stop and go traffic. Every time they cross an intersection, the light turns red and they must slow down and stop. The car lets out a screeching sound to alert the driver that repairs should be performed, but the individual is listening to the news and isn't paying attention to the warning sounds. The screeches are getting louder at each stop light but there are some really interesting stories on NPR about the housing market's collapse and the upcoming political election.

Afternoon

When it's noon, the motorist drives his sedan to the restaurant around the corner. He is starving since he didn't eat much breakfast and all he can think about is what he will order off the menu. He's thinking burgers, fries, and a thick chocolate milkshake but won't decide for sure till he checks out the specials. His auto is not only screeching to show it needs brake pad replacement, it has begun to flash the red indicator lights: "check brakes." But the hungry motorist doesn't notice either the visual or auditory clues.

Evening Commute

After work, it's time to clock out and drive home. Beneath the auto, there is a puddle of brake fluid but the individual is mentally rehashing his crazy work day and doesn't even notice. He climbs in and retraces his route home through the center of town, past a slew of traffic signals, makes a quick stop off at the grocery store to pick up the items on the list that his wife gave him that morning. He's thinking about the project on his desk that's due soon, the conversation he had with his boss, and whether he should apply for the supervisor's position that's opening up. He's planning his weekend in advance and thinking about everything under the sun except brake repair. This is unfortunate because on the way home, the car gives up. Since the owner didn't heed all the warning signs of screeches, flashing lights and leaked fluids, now the doozey of all signs: the brakes won't stop the car. He reaches one of the final intersections and the car simply won't respond to his foot on the brake pedal. He tries the parking brake but ends up having to veer off into the bushes. He's not hurt, but the car is scratched up and the bushes are shot.

The moral of this story is to pay attention. When a car is trying to tell its owner it needs brake repair, it's important to heed the warning.

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Brake Repair - Common Symptoms of Bad Brakes

Taking care of your automobile is important. In order to get by, thousands of Americans rely on motor vehicle transport each and every day. Consequently, auto repair and maintenance becomes a high priority for everyone. If you want to keep your car in excellent working condition, it is wise to adopt a routine maintenance schedule. Plan out which parts of your car you plan on having inspected. In doing so, you can effectively budget your auto maintenance without slipping into debt. Brake repair and inspection should always be a part of your maintenance plan, as they are a vital and important part of your car's safety.

You should get brake inspections done routinely to ensure maximum reliability. Usually, it's suggested to have your brakes inspected at least twice a year. However, if you begin to notice problems or signs of wear, it's important to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible. Don't let a simple trip to the auto-mechanic stop you from keeping you and your family safe. Finding a reliable and consistent mechanic you can trust will make the experience easier. Visiting the same mechanic frequently allows the mechanic to orient himself better with your car, providing more extensive and effective service. However, a trip to the mechanic can be avoided by noticing early signs of deterioration.

There are many common signs of wear that you can detect by yourself. First of all, it's important to pay attention to the brake light on your instrument panel. If this light appears with a red or amber glow, it may indicate problems with your anti-lock braking system. Irritating or scratchy grinding sounds are caused by the failure of your brake pads. These can be easily replaced. A low, spongy pedal is the cause of air located in the car's hydraulic system. If you can pick up on these issues yourself, it will become a lot easier to save time and money by resolving the issue before permanent or more serious damage is done.

If not properly maintained, worn brakes can become a hazardous safety issue. Not only can the failure of your brakes lead to massive damage to your car or truck, it could ultimately be responsible for serious injury. In the event of an emergency stop, the rotors and drums that operate the brake can become over-stressed and break. A failure means you won't be able to stop your car. If a failure occurs during operation of the vehicle, your car is suddenly a hazard to you and everyone else on the road. Don't put yourself in a dangerous situation like this.

Your brakes are one of the most important working parts of your car, and their function is vital to your safety. If they need replacing or maintenance, don't delay in getting them inspected. Responding in time can be the difference between personal injury and preventing an accident. Pay attention to the helpful early prevention methods detailed above in order to detect issues as soon as possible and keep your car in a safe working condition.

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Brake Repair - Common Brake Problems

If your brakes are in need of some work then do not neglect them. Brakes are an essential element of the safety of your motor vehicle. In fact they are the most important part of keeping yourself safe on the road as well as your passengers. For that reason brake repair is a very integral aspect of maintenance for any motor vehicle.

There are certain problems that are common when it comes to brakes. The first is wear on the brake pads and the second is warped rotors. Let us look at these two much needed brake repairs.

The braking system takes a lot of beating on a regular basis. The more often a car is driven the worse it is. In particular the brake pads end up the worse for wear. For this very reason it is a smart idea to have the pads on your brakes checked out at least once every six months. In this way you are performing preventative maintenance on them and are being proactive. This is better than waiting until the pads are worn down and are starting to cause problems for you.

The symptoms to look for that signal a brake repair is needed for the brake pads include grinding sounds, squeaking and increased stopping distance. Most brake pads are fitted with a thin metal tab that lets you know when the brake pads need attention. It will do this by vibrating against the rotor once the pads have reached a point where they are very dangerous.

Not all brake pads are made this way however which means that having them inspected at least twice a year is strongly recommended. If the brake pads wear down enough in time they can do damage to the rotors. This brake repair will be even more expensive than if you had just needed to replace the brake pads!

Warped rotors is a problem more commonly seem in modern cars but this issue can crop up on all braking systems that feature disc brakes. Rotors can warp if the wheel is tightened too much or if they become overheated.

You will know that you have a warped rotor when you are driving because when you apply the brake you will feel a pulsing sensation. Not only can this pulsing sensation be frustrating to have to contend with but it can also be a red light for danger. A tremendous number of newer motor vehicles are made with rotors that are paper thin and are susceptible to warping very quickly.

Another thing that can make this problem worse is that many automobile manufacturers do not leave enough material in place to allow for the rotors to be resurfaced. This brake repair must be done by a qualified technician. When a rotor is resurfaced the flatness of the rotor is improved upon and the pulsing feeling in the brake pedal then goes away. The safety of the brake is then restored to what it should be. If your car needs work done on the brakes then get it done right away. Delaying a repair could be very dangerous!

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Brake Repair - Brake Issues

If you want to get back and forth to work, you have to have a car to get you around. Eventually though, you will have to do some maintenance to your car. One of the most common maintenance issues you'll have on your car is brake repair. While one thing may come to mind -- pads -- it's not the only part of the braking system that might need the occasional maintenance work.

Since pads are the main piece that will undergo brake repair, you will need to know how to know when this needs to undergo replacement. The first warning sign is the grinding, squeaking sound that sends dread into so many drivers. It's the sound of the worn pad scraping against the rotors. If you act when the sounds first start, or shortly thereafter, then you'll end up saving a lot of money by not having to replace the rotors too. If you wait too long, though, you'll have to shell out the extra money for new rotors.

The pads aren't the only thing that may have to be replaced during brake repair. If when you press the brake pedal it feels "spongy" or soft then you may have bigger concerns. This doesn't mean your pads are bad. Matter-of-fact if you're not hearing squeaking or grinding as well, most likely you pads are just fine. This soft feeling when you depress the pedal means that your master cylinder is going bad. This should be replaced or rebuilt immediately. If left unchecked then you will eventually not be able to stop your car.

Leaks can happen from the master cylinder or the line themselves. If your pedal continues to skin after being depressed that is an indicator that there is a leak somewhere. If the lines are the issue then they will need to be replaced soon for the same reason as the master cylinder. If the lines leak all the fluid out then you will be unable to stop your car which is an obvious hazard. To be certain which problem you have you should take your car into a mechanic at the first signs of trouble.

There are lots of reasons your car will have to undergo brake repair. Pads, rotors, lines, and master cylinders are all common problems that a licensed mechanic can help you take care of. There are some things you can do yourself to ensure your car is in top running shape. You can have your vehicle inspected completely at least once every six months. You can also check the levels of fluid for yourself and add some if necessary. Check your owner's manual for type of fluid if necessary.

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Brake Repair - Anti Lock Brakes

Anti-lock brakes have not always been around. Some cars started to have this system in the 1950s, but today there are so many more vehicles that have these systems. They are very helpful especially when you are driving in wet weather. The system is designed to help your brakes not to lock up and cause you to skid. If the ABS light comes on and stays on then it is important to consider what it could mean, and whether it means that you are in need of brake repair.

The ABS light will come on when you first start your car, but it should go off after a moment. If it does not, then it is likely that your ABS is not working. You will want to make sure that it is your ABS light that you are seeing. If it is the light for the normal braking system, then this is definitely an emergency. Your ABS is a preventative system, but your normal braking system is essential. If both lights come on then you are in need of brake repair. Once you decide which system light is on, you will want to consider your situation. If you are driving in bad weather, you will want to keep in mind that you do not have your normal ABS available, so you will need to pump your brakes when you want to slow down because your brakes could lock up.

Before you panic though, make sure your parking brake is off and make sure that you did not just feel your wheels spin under the car. Also, you might check your battery to make sure the charge is not low. These issues could cause this light to come on, but it may depend on the vehicle you are driving.

At the first opportunity, you will want to find a mechanic to check out your ABS. When you take your vehicle in, they will likely use a diagnostic device to get a code which will hopefully tell the mechanic what the issue is that is going on with your anti-lock brakes. There are a few possibilities as to what could be wrong with your ABS. The problem could be a wheel speed sensor, control solenoids, or a hydraulic modulator.

The wheel speed sensor is not a very difficult problem to remedy. They are not as expensive of a fix as some parts. The wheel speed sensor is a tachometer. It has the job of deciphering the speed at which your wheels rotate.

Control solenoids help control the pressure in the Anti-lock braking system. They are an important part of ABS because they are what work with the hydraulics to make the anti-lock brakes do their job. So it is important to get brake repair for this issue if you want to have working ABS. They might be more expensive and more difficult to replace than the wheel speed sensor.

The problem with your ABS could also have to do with the hydraulic modulator. Hydraulics are a major part of how your brakes work. The hydraulic modulator holds the solenoid valves, so often times you will need to have all of it replaced if there is a problem with part of it.

Make sure to find an experienced mechanic to help you with the issues going on with your brakes. Changing some parts take more knowledge and tools then others.

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