Over time, brake components wear out and need to be replaced. Knowing the warning signs can help you take care of a brake problem before it becomes a bigger and more expensive repair.

At All About Automotive, we help drivers in the Gresham area keep their brakes working properly with inspections and quality brake repairs.

How Do Brake Pads, Calipers, and Rotors Work Together?

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure causes the brake caliper to squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotor. The friction between the pads and rotor slows the wheel and brings your vehicle to a stop.

Each part has a different job.

Brake pads create the friction needed to slow the vehicle. Because they wear down as you drive, they are a normal maintenance item.

Brake rotors are the smooth discs that the brake pads press against. They can wear, become damaged, or develop thickness variations from excessive heat.

Brake calipers hold the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to push them against the rotor. The caliper and its moving components also need to operate properly for the brakes to work evenly.

When these components work together correctly, your vehicle should stop smoothly and safely.

Signs Your Brake Pads May Need to Be Replaced

Your brakes may give you warning signs when something needs attention. Some common signs include:

• Squealing or squeaking when braking
• Grinding noises
• A vibration or pulsation when stopping
• Longer stopping distances
• A brake pedal that feels different
• The vehicle pulling to one side when stopping
• A brake warning light
• Brake pads that are worn below the manufacturer’s recommended thickness

Some noises and symptoms can be caused by other brake problems, which is why a proper inspection is important.

What Happens During a Brake Pad Replacement?

Brake pad replacement should begin with a thorough brake inspection. A technician needs to determine how much the brake pads have worn and whether the rotors, calipers, and other brake components are in good condition.

Inspect and Service the Calipers

During brake service, the technician checks the calipers and their moving parts. Depending on the design of the brake system, caliper guide pins and contact points may need to be cleaned and lubricated with the correct brake lubricant.

Proper caliper operation helps the brake pads apply and release correctly.

Can the Rotors Be Turned or Do They Need to Be Replaced?

If the brake rotors are still within the manufacturer’s specifications and their condition allows it, they may sometimes be resurfaced, often called “turning” the rotors.

However, not every rotor can or should be resurfaced. Modern rotors may be designed with less material available for resurfacing, and a rotor that is too thin, damaged, or below specification needs to be replaced.

Your technician can measure the rotors and determine which option is appropriate.

Replace the Brake Pads

Once the other components have been inspected and serviced as needed, the worn brake pads can be replaced with the correct parts for your vehicle.

The brake system is then checked to make sure everything is operating properly.

Don’t Wait Until Your Brakes Are Grinding

Brake pads are designed to wear over time. Replacing them before they become completely worn can help prevent damage to the rotors and other brake components.

Regular visual brake checkups are an important part of preventative maintenance and can help you catch worn brake pads before they become a larger problem.

Taking care of your brakes also helps protect your vehicle and can contribute to long-term vehicle longevity.

Schedule a Brake Inspection or Brake Pad Replacement

If you hear unusual noises, feel vibrations when braking, or aren’t sure how much life is left in your brake pads, don’t wait until you have a serious braking problem. The team at All About Automotive can inspect your brakes and explain what your vehicle needs. We proudly serve drivers throughout Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Corbett. Schedule a brake inspection today and make sure your brakes are ready to safely stop your vehicle.

The post How Do I Know When My Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced? appeared first on All About Automotive.

The post Can you install new brake pads on old rotors? appeared first on Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice.

According to L Ganesh, chairman, Rane Group, “RBL had a good quarter supported by favourable demand and improved operational performance. However, sustained higher material cost remains a challenge and the management is executing various operational improvement initiatives to mitigate the impact. Though the demand environment in India remains strong, we remain cautious given the evolving economic scenario across major global economies.”

The global automotive brake pad market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031.

Brake pads are the components of a vehicle’s braking system that provide the friction necessary to stop the vehicle. They are an integral part of disk brakes that are used in an automobile. When the brakes are engaged, these brake pads press against the running disc to stop the motion and decrease the speed of the vehicle. Brake pads are present in brake caliper, which pushes them against the rotors and help in converting kinetic energy of vehicle into thermal energy.

1. Squealing noises. The biggest hallmark of shot brake pads is a squealing noise as you stop, which comes from a built-in indicator that omits that sound as you use your brakes to signal that they need to be replaced.
2. Clicking noises. Certain car designs include a mechanism that holds your brake pads in place, and once loosened or worn down, these braces begin to loosen, making a clicking noise as you come to a stop.
3. Longer stops. Longer stop times for your car, or a tendency to roll forward after slightly loosening the pressure on your brake pedal, can be a strong indicator of less-effective brake pads that need to be replaced.
4. Uneven movement when braking. Sometimes, when coming to a stop, if your car veers to one side as you press on the brake, this could mean that one of your brake pads is weaker than the other. Problems like this need special attention from a mechanic for a proper diagnosis
5. Vibrating brake pedal. When going to stop, any issues in your ability to brake, especially a vibrating brake pedal, can be an indicator of faulty or worn-down brake pads.

Getting Your Brakes Tested by a Mechanic

If you suspect your brakes are wearing down and require a replacement, contact an auto technician and have your car evaluated to properly diagnose the problem at hand. At Ken Scales Automotive, our team of experienced auto technicians can properly evaluate and diagnose the problems with your vehicle, helping you get your car back on the road in no time. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

The post 5 Ways to Tell When to Get New Brake Pads appeared first on Ken Scales Automotive.

Safety features in automobiles are constantly evolving. It’s a good idea to stay informed of changing or new technologies that auto manufacturers are installing in our cars. These days Anti-Lock Brakes or ABS come standard on most vehicles. But did you know that they work in conjunction with your conventional brakes? Let’s look at the differences between the two braking systems and examine the best braking techniques for both.

Conventional Brakes

Conventional braking is entirely dependent on the skill of the driver. When engaging conventional brakes via the brake pedal, the stopping force is applied equally to all four wheels, slowing or stopping wheel rotation. The driver must manually pump the brakes to maintain steering control if the tires begin to lose traction. In emergency or panic braking situations, the vehicle can often skid out of control once the braking force causes the wheels to stop spinning since the automobile still has forward momentum.

Conventional Brake Components

In general, conventional brake systems have the following components in common.

• Front & Rear Disc Brakes
• Brake Pads
• Brake Caliper
• Piston
• Master Cylinder
• Brake Booster (Hydraulic or Vacuum)
• Hydraulic Brake Line
• Brake Fluid

Conventional Braking History

Back in the day, before ‘power brakes’ were standard on cars, brakes worked on pure pressure. The pressure a driver applied to the brake pedal was the same amount of pressure slowing down the wheels. Seem ineffective? It was. By the 1980s, auto manufacturers embraced a more advanced power-assisted braking system, much like we use today. It utilizes hydraulic assistance (brake booster) to increase the driver’s pedal input. This assistance gives the driver more options when driving and stopping.

Conventional Braking Techniques

So how does all this history translate into braking techniques? Well, a more experienced driver will have more braking techniques to choose from, besides the standard ‘pump the brakes’ method. Their effectiveness will depend on the driving situation and the skill of the driver. Here are three braking techniques used in vehicles with conventional brakes. 

Pump Braking

The term ‘pump the brakes’ refers to the practice of firmly applying pressure to the brake pedal, then releasing the pressure momentarily, and engaging the brakes again. This method should allow the driver to maintain steering control without locking up the wheels. Additionally, it can signal the vehicle behind you to slow down. The momentarily flashing brake light may grab their attention quickly, allowing more time for you both to come to a safe stop.

Cadence Braking

Cadence braking is sometimes called ‘stutter braking.’ It is similar to pump braking but performed in a more rhythmic motion or pattern. It is most effective at maintaining steering control in slippery or icy road conditions. It is not very effective at stopping a vehicle quickly. Still, it can slow down your car while enabling you to steer clear of obstacles.

Threshold Braking

The idea behind threshold braking is to use the brakes right up to the point of wheel lock but easing off the brake right before the vehicle loses traction. This method is used often in racing, but a skilled driver can use this method for daily driving as well. Ideally, ‘pump braking,’ and ‘threshold braking’ techniques should be used simultaneously for the most effective and safe braking with conventional brakes.

Trail Braking

This method of braking is popular with car enthusiasts who race on the track. It is a controlled, continuous braking technique used while turning into a corner. Braking in this manner allows an experienced driver to control the weight and pitch of the car, giving more traction to the front or rear of the vehicle, as needed. It also allows a driver to travel around a corner at a higher rate of speed.

Anti-Lock Brakes

Anti-Lock Brakes utilize the vehicle’s onboard computer and wheel sensors to control the wheel rotation automatically. Maintaining constant pressure on the brake pedal is the only thing the driver needs to do. If the wheel sensors detect a loss in traction, the ABS will engage. In emergency or panic braking situations, the ABS will activate, eliminating the need to manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lock, skidding, or a loss of steering control. 

All-Wheel ABS or 4-Wheel ABS

All-Wheel ABS aids steering while preventing wheel lock-up. It applies to all four wheels independently. Almost all new model cars, SUVs, and minivans come equipped with All Wheel ABS as standard equipment.

Rear-Wheel-Only ABS

A few model pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs use Rear-Wheel-Only ABS. It applies to the rear wheels only assists vehicles from spinning out on slick surfaces.

Anti-lock Brakes: ABS Components

In general, ABS brakes work in conjunction with conventional braking systems. Most Anti-lock brake systems have the following components in common.

• ABS Control Module: Computer Microprocessor
• Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)
• Wheel Speed Sensors
• ABS Warning Light

ABS Braking Techniques

The ABS will not activate if you brake normally for slowing traffic, stop signs, and traffic signals. Being aware of your surroundings and braking early is wise in most situations. If you need to brake suddenly, the ABS will engage, providing you with more stable steering and stopping. When the ABS is activated, always apply smooth, firm pressure on the brake pedal without pumping. Constant pressure will ensure that the ABS functions as designed.

Brake Repair Maintenance in Ann Arbor, MI

If you have noticed issues with your conventional brakes or ABS brakes, bring your vehicle in for a diagnostic service. Ron’s Garage has served Ann Arbor and surrounding areas of Saline, Dexter, and Pittsfield Township since 1982. We offer professional automotive services at a fair price with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. Staff includes three state and ASE certified technicians trained to use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. We perform major and minor brake repairs on all makes and models, imported or domestic, up to one ton.

Schedule Your Anti-lock Brakes Service

Please call Ron’s Garage at (734) 961-4701 for same-day or next-day appointments. Otherwise, visit our website for more information or to schedule your next Routine Brake Maintenance Service.

The post Anti-Lock Brakes vs. Conventional Brakes in Ann Arbor, MI first appeared on Ron’s Garage Ann Arbor Auto Repair.