Are Your Brakes Safe?

Vehicles of today may have advanced safety technologies such as curtain side airbags and traction control, yet the braking system is still one of the most important.  The fact is, brakes do need maintenance over time.  Repeated braking is obviously going to put wear and tear on components.  There are different reasons why your brakes may need some work. Crystallized brake pads and/or shoes can become hardened from heat and are no longer effective at grabbing and stopping the rotation of the brake drum or rotor. This condition usually occurs after the brakes have been overused, either because of excessive panic stops or “riding of the brake.” There is sometimes a loss of pressure from broken brake lines, which run to all four wheels. Oil or grease soaked brakes can also affect braking. Oil from the rear differential or front transaxle can get on the brakes from an oil seal that might have failed. Grease from a failed rubber boot on a front end component (such as a ball joint or tie rod) can find its way onto the brakes and cause this symptom as well. “Hot Spots” on the brake drums or rotors are hardened spots in the metal makeup of the drum or rotor that form from excessive overheating of the brakes. The pads and shoes have nothing to grip.

Knowing the signs of compromised brakes is very important.  Here is what to look for:

Loss of Brake Pedal Pressure: If the pedal is going further down than it normally does, it means the system has lost its hydraulic pressure and is likely brake fluid leakage due to failure of a brake hose or a rusted metal brake line.

Squealing/grinding occur when braking: This is usually an indication of worn or glazed brake pads. The squealing noise comes from wear indicators, which come in contact with the brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point of needing replacement. If you hear squealing, get your brakes checked; waiting for the grinding noise will likely end up costing more money.

Grabbing to One Side: This can happen for a number of reasons; pulling can occur from maladjustment of the brakes, a frozen brake, brake fluid leakage, frozen emergency brake cables, or oil/grease leakage on the brake shoes or pads.

Drag during Acceleration: If it feels like the brake is still on while trying to accelerate, it may be caused by the emergency brake cables.  If you do not use your emergency brake rust can buildup, causing it not to release.

The bottom line is to go with your instincts.  If it seems like your brakes are performing in an abnormal way or making a strange sound, then do not ignore it.  Beyond being unsafe, waiting will likely end up becoming more of a problem and costing more money.