HOW DO BRAKES WORK

Brakes Overview

Your braking system includes components that can cause varying issues when not functioning properly, but servicing the entire system can get your brakes working like new again. It's also important to understand how you should select brakes.

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Brake System Components

The first step to servicing your brakes is knowing what type of brakes your vehicle uses, and how the different components perform together.

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Disc Brake Diagram
Disc Brakes
Brake pads are blocks of friction-producing material. A disc brake rotor is a flat metal disc that spins with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, a brake caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor, enabling the wheel to stop.
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Brake Pad Description
Steel backing plates with organic, ceramic or metallic friction materials that press against the rotors
Brake Rotor Description
Cast-iron discs used as the friction surface for brake pads to stop the vehicle
Disc Brake Hardware Description
Made from 301 stainless steel; reduces vibration in the braking system (which is the most common cause of noise)
Calipers Description
Use pressure from brake fluid to squeeze brake pads against rotors
Drum Brake Description
Drum Brakes
Brake shoes are bands of friction-producing material. A brake drum is a cylinder-shaped ‘hat’ that spins with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, the brake wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes out against the inside of the drum, enabling the wheel to stop.
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Brake Components Description
Brake Components
Brake Booster
Uses vacuum pressure to make it easier to push the brake pedal.
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Master Cylinder
Pushes brake fluid through the brake line when brake pedal is depressed. 
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Importance of Brake Hardware

Brake tools and pieces
Brake noise is the #1 reason for brake job complaints, but most of the noise is not caused by brake pads; it’s caused by the vibration of components that are not properly installed, insulated or secured.

Hardware plays an important role in eliminating brake noise, preventing damage such as corrosion, warping, or uneven wear, and ultimately extending the life of your brake pads. Below are some of the most common complaints that can be addressed by updating your brake hardware.

Reduced braking force
Rust and corrosion buildup on floating caliper sides or bushings can reduce effective braking force by preventing the caliper from centering properly. Pads will wear unevenly and could cause brake pull. 
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Uneven pad wear and brake noise
Rust and corrosion buildup can also cause uneven pad wear and brake noise.
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Excessive caliper movement and noise
High temperatures can cause rubber bushings to lose their resiliency and become flattened, ultimately causing excessive caliper movement and noises like rattling and thumping.
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1 in 7 Cars Needs New Brakes

Did you know that the brake system on your vehicle does more today to keep you safe than ever before? Brake systems now play an important role in traction control and vehicle stability systems.
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Signs & Symptoms You Need New Brakes

Brake Problems Noise
Noise
Squealing brakes. Brakes should operate with very little noise. The squealing noise comes from wear indicators that intentionally come in contact with the brake rotor. Get them checked before the squealing sound turns into a grinding sound.
Brake Problems Pulling
Pulling
Vehicle pulls to one side while braking. This can happen for a number of reasons. Pulling can occur from maladjustment of the brakes, a bad caliper or wheel cylinder, a frozen brake, brake fluid leakage, a frozen emergency brake cable, or oil or grease leakage on the brake shoes or pads.
Brake Pedal Problems Loss of Brake
Loss of Brake Pedal
Brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging. A loss of pedal usually is the result of brake fluid leakage due to failure of a brake hose or rusted metal brake line, worn wheel cylinder or brake caliper, or possibly an ABS problem.
Brake Pedal Problems Hard Brake
Hard Pedal
Your brake pedal requires extreme pressure to make the brakes function. Indicator of power brake trouble, restricted hydraulic lines, frozen calipers or wheel cylinders, or damaged brake linings.
Brake Pedal Problems Vibrating Brake
Pulsation/Vibration
Brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions. Usually caused by warped rotors or rotor thickness issues. Heat and mechanical wear thin out the brake rotor or drum, which causes warping. This condition can cause noise, excessive caliper wear and poor braking when the condition gets severe.
Brake Problems Warning Light
Brake Warning Light
If your brake warning light comes on, have your brake system inspected as soon as possible.

Brake Pad Wear Patterns

Disc Brake Wear Patterns


1. Normal Pad Wear: Even wear on both the inner and outer pads.

2. Normal Full-Life Pad Wear: Even wear on both the inner and outer pads - pads need to be replaced.

3. Tapered Wear: Worn out caliper bushings and/or worn caliper hardware.

4. One-Sided Wear: Faulty caliper or caliper piston hanging; caliper slide not functioning.

5. Grooved Surface Wear: Rotors should be turned or replaced.

6. Chipped Surface Wear: Excessive heat build-up, caliper piston hanging up creating constant friction.

7. Step in Lining: Pads not in full contact. Replace guide pin/mounting bolt bushings and caliper hardware.

8. Cracked Surface Wear: Excessive heat build-up, caliper or caliper piston hanging up creating constant friction.

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