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Knowledge To Maintain And Repair Your Car

 

Your basic brake system is made of a few components.

 

A. Master cylinder: this is the cylinder your foot presses the brake pedal actuates this. In turn brake fluid is applied to each brake assembly at each wheel.

 

B. Front brakes: Usually disc brakes where a caliper mounts over a rotor in which pads mounted inside the caliper actuate when brake fluid is applied to it.

 

c. Rear brakes: Drum brakes or disc brakes: Drum brakes uses a drum surface in casing 2 shoes where connected to a wheel cylinder which push out when brake fluid is applied to it.

 

If you attempt repair please use repair manual for reference. Special brake tools may be required

 

 

Grinding noise when brakes applied: Major noise such a grinding occurs means pad material is all gone and just the base metal that holds the pad material on is grinding on the rotor or drums. Can lead to more expense when changing pads and rotors to opposed to resurfacing rotors or drums.

 

Car pulls when brakes are applied: Usually caliper or brake hose is hanging up or swelled causing brake pads to drag and not release. Calipers and brake hoses possible replacement

 

Mushy brake pedal: Air in the brake system or possible failed master cylinder. Also leaking brake line and wheel cylinders and calipers.

 

Squeaking noise: Common misconception if brakes look ok the pads material usually made of semi metallic metals and cause squeak noise. Could be rotors or drums resurfaced uncorrectly or cheap pads can cause squeak noise as well. Replacement of pads and or resurfacing drums or rotors. Possible replacement of rotors and pads. Some foreign cars make noise no matter without factory parts volkswagon is bad for this.

 

Roaring noise when driving changes pitch when turning wheel slightly: Possible wheel bearing noise further inspection will be needed. If so consult technician at local repair shop for confirmed noise.