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Tel: (626) 451-0151
Fax: (626) 451-0142
211 Agostino Road
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Mon. - Sat. 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Brakes Service
Does your car squeal when you apply the brakes? This could be the sound of your "chirper", a signaling device built into the system to warn you of worn brake pads. A squealing or grinding noise also is characteristic of the new, semi-metallic friction material used on brake pads and linings. This material replaces the hazardous asbestos previously used.
Brake performance on vehicles of recent years is significantly improved, as is the service life of braking system parts. Unfortunately consumer attitude toward preventive maintenance has not kept pace with technology. A national consumer survey showed vehicle neglect is on the rise even though nearly half of motorists ranked brake failure as their number one fear among driving emergencies
Does your car squeal when you apply the brakes? This could be the sound of your "chirper", a signaling device built into the system to warn you of worn brake pads. A squealing or grinding noise also is characteristic of the new, semi-metallic friction material used on brake pads and linings. This material replaces the hazardous asbestos previously used.
Brakes require more than occasional relining to maintain peak performance. Inspect annually for corroded brake lines and cut, abraded or heavily weather-checked brake hoses. Disc brakes can benefit from periodic removal of the brake pads and "exercising" of the brake calipers. Use a big screwdriver or pry bar to pry the caliper apart, compressing the piston(s) back into the bore. That will break up any corrosion outboard of the seal before it has advanced enough to freeze up the piston. Repeat this several times for each caliper, by pumping the brake pedal to push the piston back out.
Then remove the pads, and wire-brush or file the pad seating surfaces of sliding channels in the caliper (depending on whether you have 1 or 2 piston calipers) to permit the pads to slip back and forth easily. Lightly lube the sliding surfaces with caliper grease or its equivalent, being careful to avoid greasing the friction surfaces of the brakes. Similarly, remove the rear brake drums, and exercise and lubricate the self-adjusting mechanism, as well as the contact surfaces of the shoes and backing plate.
Inspect the handbrake cables, and squirt some grease or oil into the sheathed portion of the cable. Check out the ratchet mechanism in the handbrake lever as well, lubricating the pivot point and pawl. Once everything is nicely lubricated, you might see if there's a benefit in adjusting the cable itself, generally done where the spreader bar splits the single cable from the handle to the two individual rear-wheel cables. By inspecting the brakes periodically, your can minimize the risk of jeopardizing the safety of everyone in your vehicle.
Brakes
Noises
Your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange noises when you depress the brake. Two of the most common are squeaks and grinding.
Squeaks
Friction from the brake lining causes heat. Under extreme conditions this can damage the pads and/or lining, brake drums and rotors.
Grinding
A metallic grinding sound indicates your brake pads are worn through. Metal-to-metal contact will damage drums or rotors.
Low or Fading Brake Pedal
Do your brakes require pumping to stop the car? Does the pedal sink to the floor board when you're stopped at a light? There may be a leak in the brake system, air in the brake lines, or the need for a brake adjustment.
Pulling to one side or brake drag
Worn or uneven brake linings or a damaged brake line can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Brakes that are out of adjustment or have contaminated fluid can cause brakes to drag.
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