Service
Brake repair and inspection
Pads, rotors, calipers, lines and fluid. An inspection tells you what's worn now and what can wait.
When to stop driving
A pedal that sinks toward the floor, loud grinding, or a red brake warning light that stays on with the parking brake released are reasons to stop driving and call. Don't wait for your next service.
Most cars use disc brakes, at least on the front wheels: pads clamp a spinning rotor to slow the car, and hydraulic fluid carries the force from your foot to each wheel. Pads and rotors wear a little with every stop, so brakes are a normal maintenance item. Catching wear early usually keeps the job smaller.
What this service covers
Pads and shoes
Replacing the friction material on disc brakes (pads) or drum brakes (shoes).
Rotors and drums
Measuring thickness and condition, then resurfacing or replacing them when they're worn, damaged or below the minimum spec.
Calipers, hoses and lines
Fixing sticking calipers, leaks, and corroded or cracked brake lines and hoses.
Brake fluid
Checking the fluid and replacing it on your manufacturer's schedule. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time.
ABS and parking brake
Diagnosing an ABS warning light, and adjusting or repairing the parking brake.
Common signs you need it
- Squealing when you brake (many pads have a built-in wear indicator that squeals when they get thin)
- Grinding or growling, which can mean metal on metal
- A pulsing pedal or a shaking steering wheel when you slow down
- A soft, spongy or sinking brake pedal
- The car pulls to one side when braking
- The brake or ABS warning light is on
- Fluid on the inside of a wheel, or a burning smell after normal driving
What to expect
Road test
The technician checks pedal feel and listens and feels for noise, pulsation and pulling.
Wheels-off inspection
Pad and rotor thickness are measured, and calipers, hoses, lines and fluid are checked.
Written estimate
You see what's worn, what's urgent and what can wait, with a written estimate before work begins.
Repair and test
After the work, the brakes are tested on the road. New pads perform best once they've bedded in, so go easy on hard stops at first if you can.
How long it usually takes
Pads and rotors on one axle commonly take about one to two hours. A full brake job, caliper work or a fluid flush can add time, and some parts may need to be ordered. Your written estimate will say what applies to your car.
Good to know
- Front brakes usually wear faster than rears because they do most of the stopping.
- Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point. Many manufacturers call for replacing it every two to three years; your owner's manual has the interval for your car.
- Rotors don't always need replacing with new pads. If they're above the minimum thickness and in good shape, they can be reused or resurfaced.
California: written estimate first
Under California's Automotive Repair Act, a repair shop must give you a written estimate for parts and labor and get your authorization before starting work. If the job turns out to need more than the estimate, the shop has to get your OK before going over it. You can also ask for your replaced parts back when you authorize the work.
Brakes: common questions
How long do brake pads last?
There's no single number. Depending on the car, the pads and how you drive, they can last anywhere from about 25,000 to 70,000 miles or more. Stop-and-go traffic, hills and heavy loads wear them faster.
What does a pulsing brake pedal mean?
Usually uneven rotor surfaces, often called warped rotors. It's rarely an emergency on its own, but it tends to get worse, so have it inspected.
Why is my brake warning light on?
First make sure the parking brake is fully released. If it is, the light can mean low brake fluid, which often points to worn pads or a leak. Have it checked before driving further than you need to.
Car acting up? Let's take a look.
Call (714) 555-0142 or send a request, and we'll find a time that works.