3 Signs Your GMC, Chevy, or Buick Needs a Brake Repair

Weak Brake Pedal

A braking system relies on pressure, and you experience this pressure each time you step on the pedal. You should always feel resistance from the pedal, and this resistance increases as you press harder. A weak brake pedal provides almost no resistance, and this is dangerous. The lack of resistance means your braking system won’t operate as fast or effectively as it needs to.

A lack of pressure in the braking system is usually due to a lack of brake fluid. Brake fluid isn’t consumed as the brakes work, so your braking system must have a leak somewhere. Brake fluid can leak from many places, including damaged brake hoses, worn seals, or a damaged brake fluid reservoir. Our technicians will trace the leak and seal it then we’ll refill the brake fluid.

Grinding Noises From the Brakes

If you hear grinding noises when you jam on the brake, our technicians will need to find the cause of the problem. Brakes should make no sound when they work, and a grinding noise means one or more components are being damaged. The problem could be as simple as a stone in a brake caliper, or your brake pads may have worn out.

Brake pads generate friction that brings your wheel rotors to a stop. They have a friction material covering that gradually wears off due to abrasion. You’ll hear a screeching noise if your pads need replacement. If this sound is ignored, the material will wear off completely. When this happens, the metal pads will grind into the rotors and damage the surface. We’ll replace the pads and check the rotors for damage.

Glazed Pads

As we saw above, your brake pads gradually wear out. Glazed pads might not be worn out, but they are dangerous as they have been severely damaged. Glazing occurs when the pads are kept in close contact with the wheel rotors. One of the ways this can occur is a damaged caliper failing to retract. This situation will keep the pad skimming across the rotor surface.

The abrasion caused by contact with the rotor turns the friction material smooth. If a pad can’t generate friction, it won’t be able to stop the rotor it’s connected to from moving. Our technicians can easily replace glazed pads.

If your brakes are showing signs of trouble, call us right away at Coughlin GM of Newark.

Posted in Columbus Buick Service, Coughlin Chevrolet Buick GMC Newark Service | No Comments »