Brake problems can be tricky, especially if you are absolutely clueless on what’s causing them. If you notice weak braking when driving your car, this can strike anxiety and panic leading you to stop using your car altogether. This however can be prevented when you seek the expertise from a reputable car mechanic in Sydney.
So, when should you have your braking system checked? Here are the most common signs of braking issues and interventions that car mechanics usually apply to resolve the problem.
A Quick Overview of a Vehicle Brake System
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- Master Cylinder- Sends out fluids along tubes under pressure
- Pincher or Caliper- Driven by the master cylinder, the caliper features a pad that presses against the drum or rotor.
- Rotor- This iron disc connected to the tires’ hub and works together with the brake pads to stop the vehicle.
Braking Issues #1 -Soft Brake Pedal
If your vehicle is suffering from a soft brake pedal, it’s imperative to seek immediate help from an auto mechanic. This is a major brake problem that needs to be resolved right away. If the brake feels soft or won’t stop on the way down without pumping, or if the brake pedal sinks to the floor with minimal to no resistance, it’s best to stop driving the car until you have it checked. The last thing you want is to drive with soft brake pedals, as it could only be a matter of minutes before you find yourself in an accident.
A soft brake pedal may be caused by a leak in the braking system, or a master cylinder issue. The first intervention is to check the brake fluid or look in your owner’s manual to see how it’s properly done. When the brake reservoir is full and no signs of leak are present, the problem usually arises internally.
Braking Issue #2 – Vehicle Pulls to One Side When Braking
A car pulling to one side is not only annoying but can be extremely dangerous, too. This issue is typically caused by uneven tires, with the most common contributor being a frozen caliper. With regular use, a caliper may freeze up by the piston leading to it being stuck in its bore. When the dust boot that protects the piston from external elements gets worn, debris and other foreign materials will seep into the metal resulting in rust and corrosion of the caliper.
Another causative factor of vehicle pulling to one side is when the piston is stuck, and the fluid pressure is unable to push back into the bore easily. When the pistons get bent during a sudden brake or an accident, your vehicle may start pulling to one side every time you hit the brake.
In most cases, the caliper only needs to be cleaned or lubricated to work efficiently again. There are also instances when the caliper needs to be replaced altogether. Although replacement with a new caliper is costly, you will instantly recover as your car can be fixed immediately, hence saving you time and money in the long run.
Braking Issue #3 – Faulting Proportioning Valve
A fault master cylinder may also be a root cause of your vehicle pulling to one side when braking. Majority of braking systems operate on diagonal braking systems for safety purposes. In this set-up, the front and rear brakes work together and so does the front and left rear. If a leak appears in one side of the system, it will only affect one front and one rear brake. In this case, it’s important to identify the faulty cylinder and replace it immediately.
Braking Issue #4 – Shaking Steering Wheel When Brakes are Applied
This is a common issue that happens across all vehicle makes and models. It usually happens when you’re driving at high speeds and the steering wheel shakes upon application of brakes. There are many causes as to why your steering wheels are shaking. The front rotors may be warped, minor irregularities of the rotor due to excessive heat, and pad impressions are common causes of a shaking steering wheel.
To fix these issues, auto mechanics will resurface the rotors. In more serious cases, the rotors may need to be replaced altogether. Rotors are easily resurfaced if they are thick enough. The thickness will depend on the vehicle manufacturer, so your car mechanic will use this as a basis as to whether you need replacement or resurfacing.
We hope that this guide helps you decide whether you need to visit an auto shop in Sydney for professional braking system repair or servicing. Here at HP Automotive, you can rely on us for speedy and affordable repair services. We are equipped with skilled auto mechanics and tools that allow us to resolve issues in a prompt and efficient manner. If you wish to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, you may call our direct line on 02 9929 8372 today.