Recognizing and Fixing Bad Auto Brakes: Signs, Symptoms, and Maintenance

Ensuring your vehicle's safety is a top priority, especially when it comes to the braking system. Proper maintenance of your car's brakes can prevent unexpected failures and ensure a safer driving experience. In this article, we will discuss the signs that indicate your brakes need attention, the symptoms of worn brakes, and how to fix them to avoid complete failure.

Signs Your Car's Brakes Need Servicing or Replacing

It is crucial to recognize the indicators that your brakes may need servicing or replacing. Unlike immediate warning signs, these typically manifest over time, making them harder to detect, particularly if you drive often. Here are a few signs to watch for:

Sign 1: Brake Pedal Travel

If the brake pedal goes down further than usual with the same amount of force applied, it could be a sign that your brakes are wearing out or that the brake fluid may be mixed with water. A soft brake pedal can also indicate an issue with the brake booster. In any case, it is advisable to get this checked as soon as possible to prevent a potential safety hazard.

Sign 2: Vibration or Shaking

Vibrations or shaking while driving, particularly when applying the brakes, can often be attributed to brake pulsation, also known as brake pulsation. This occurs due to rapid changes in temperature within the brakes. When brake pads are functioning properly, the problem may lie with the brake discs. If these discs become warped due to extreme temperature changes or overheating, they can cause the pedal to vibrate or shake. In such cases, the brake pads may be fine, but the problem with the discs needs to be addressed.

Symptoms of Worn Brakes

Beyond the above signs, other symptoms of worn or failing brakes include:

Symptom 1: Pulsing Feeling in the Pedal

When braking, if you experience a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal, it could indicate that the brake pads or discs are worn or warped, causing the pedal to vibrate when pressure is applied. This is a clear sign that your brakes need attention.

Symptom 2: Grinding Noise or Soft Pedal

A grinding noise when braking, along with a soft pedal or one that goes to the floor, can be a warning that your brakes need to be fixed. These sounds often indicate that the brake pads have worn down or are damaged, allowing the metal components to grind against the rotors.

Symptom 3: Spongy Pedal Feeling

If you find that your brake pedal feels spongy or squishy, it could indicate that the brake calipers are malfunctioning or that there is air in the brake lines. This condition can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, making it risky to drive.

Symptom 4: Inconsistent Braking

Experiencing inconsistent braking performance can be alarming. Sometimes the car will stop as expected, while other times you need to push the brake pedal harder, and in some cases, you barely touch the pedal and the car still stops. This inconsistency can be a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced or that the brake fluid is contaminated.

Symptom 5: Visible Damage to the Rotors

If you notice any gouging or damage to the smooth surface of the brake rotors, it is an immediate red flag. This damage can reduce the efficiency and safety of your braking system significantly. Such visible signs should be inspected by a professional to determine the necessary repairs.

Fixing Brakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fixing brake issues is not overly complicated if done correctly. Here is a general step-by-step guide for fixing brakes on most vehicles:

Step 1: Jack Up Your Car and Remove the Tires/Wheels

Jack up your vehicle and remove the tires or wheels to access the brake components. This step is crucial to ensuring you can service the brakes effectively.

Step 2: Loosen the Caliper and Hang It Safely

Loosen the caliper bolts and hang it from some wire, not the brake line, to avoid damage. This step helps in accessing the brake pads and rotors more easily.

Step 3: Remove Old Brake Pads and Discs

Remove the old brake pads and, if needed, take the rotors to be turned or replaced. Rotors that have become warped or worn may need to be replaced to ensure optimal performance.

Step 4: Apply Brake Pad Lubricant and Disk Brake Quiet

Apply a lubricant to the back of the new brake pads facing the caliper. This helps in smoother operation and reduces squeaking. Apply Disk Brake Quiet to the contact surfaces of the pads to reduce noise.

Step 5: Install New Pads and Rotors

Install the new or turned rotors and place the brake pads back into the caliper. Make sure to use new hardware or padding to ensure proper fit and function.

Step 6: Reinstall the Caliper and Torque All Bolts to Spec

Reattach the caliper to the spindle and torque all the bolts to the specified torque values to ensure they are secure and aligned correctly.

Step 7: Bleed the Brakes

After all the brakes have been serviced, bleed the brake lines to remove any air and contaminants. This step is critical to ensure optimal brake performance and safety.

Proper maintenance and timely repairs can significantly extend the life of your car's braking system and ensure a safer driving experience. If you are not comfortable performing these tasks, it is advisable to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic or certified repair shop.

Conclusion

The safety of your vehicle's braking system is paramount. Recognizing the signs of worn or failing brakes and addressing them promptly can prevent complete failure and maintain your confidence on the road. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can perform essential brake maintenance and ensure your safety while driving.