BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR If applicable otherwise place a replacement in service selection below. after order replacement, recall with your order id using track your order
Brake
Warning Light On
- Fault in braking system
- This may be caused by a leak or lack of fluid or faulty
master cylinder or servo, which will render your brakes not fully
functional. Do not drive the vehicle, as it could be dangerous.
- It could also be a faulty sensor or electrical fault.
Fill up
the brake fluid reservoir, check for leaks, normal brake pedal operation and
ABS
Warning Light On (where fitted)
- Fault in the ABS Braking system. (where fitted)
- Your brakes should work but there will be no ABS
operation. So if you brake hard your wheels may lock up.
ABS
systems are complex and can only be repaired by professionals. call hoodmat for
professional assistance.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Brake Caliper
Common
signs include brake fluid leaks│ abnormal sounds│ and vehicle pulling to the left or
right
The brake calipers are some of the most important components
that are part of modern disc brake systems. They work together with the brake
pads and rotors, along with the rest of the hydraulic system, to slow and stop
the vehicle. When the pedal is pressed, brake fluid pressure is pushed through
the master cylinder to the caliper, which extends the piston and forces the
brake pads against the rotors to slow the vehicle. Over time, brake calipers
are subject to the intense heat that is created when braking, and can
eventually go out, which will interfere with the vehicle’s braking and
negatively affect its handling and safety characteristics. When a caliper does
go bad, the vehicle will usually display a few symptoms that can alert the
driver that a potential problem has occurred that should
be serviced.
1.
Brake fluid leaks
One of the most common symptoms of a bad or failing caliper
is brake
fluid leakage. The calipers operate using brake fluid pressure from the
master cylinder and pedal to extend the piston and slow the vehicle. A rubber
seal and boot are what keeps the fluid from leaking out. Over time, with
constant exposure to the intense heat generated by braking, these seals will
wear out and leak. Any leaks from the caliper will mean a compromise to the
pressure sealing capacity of the braking system, which will not only make a
mess of brake fluid, but also take
away greatly from its ability to stop the vehicle.
2. Abnormal sounds
Another symptom of a potential problem with the brake caliper is abnormal
sounds coming from the wheels when braking. If you notice any sort of high
pitched noises, or any sudden thud or impact sounds when you apply the brakes,
then that may be a sign of a potential problem with the caliper - perhaps that
it has come loose or it is binding or sticking. A loose, stuck, or binding
caliper will not be able to properly stop the vehicle, and may even lead to premature
brake wear.
3. Vehicle pulling
Another common symptom, one of a caliper that probably needs to be replaced,
is a vehicle pulling
to the left or right. Calipers are exposed to extreme heat from braking,
which can sometimes lead to the caliper piston seizing. A seized caliper piston
will not be able to automatically retract, which will cause a constant drag
onto that wheel. This will cause the vehicle to have a tendency to pull towards
the side with the affected caliper, as the wheel on that side is traveling
slower than the wheel on the opposite side due to the brake drag.
Brake calipers are an important mechanical component of the braking system,
and important to the overall safety and handling characteristics of a vehicle.
For this reason, if you suspect that one of your calipers may be having a
problem, have the vehicle examined by a professional technician
Symptoms of a BAD OR FAILING BRAKE ROTOR/DISC
Common signs
of faulty car brake rotors include │noisy
brakes│ vibrations that can
be felt through the pedal│ score marks on the
rotor│
Disc brake rotors are metal discs that work together with
the brake pads and calipers to slow the vehicle. Brake rotors bolt directly to
the wheel hub, so they spin in direct relation to wheel speed. When the brake
pedal is depressed, the calipers squeeze the brake pads against the spinning
rotors to slow and stop the wheels and the vehicle
1. Noisy brakes
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with bad brake rotors is
noise. If the rotors are warped
(meaning not perfectly flat) or severely worn, they may produce squealing
or squeaking sounds. Usually warped rotors will produce a squeak, while
severely worn rotors will produce a scraping sound. However, the squealing
noise could originate from worn
brake pads as well.
2. Vibrations from the brakes
Another symptom of bad brake rotors is excessive vibration or pulsation
coming from the brakes. Warped or excessively worn rotors may vibrate
irregularly and cause vibrations
that can be felt in the pedal, and sometimes through the vehicle’s chassis.
Warped rotors may also produce a pulsating feel that will be felt in the pedal
when the brakes are applied
3.
Grooves or score marks on the rotor
Another symptom of bad or failing
rotors is visual scoring or grooves on the face of the rotor. Over time,
grooves or scoring marks can develop on the rotor from repeated contact with
the brake pads. Scoring and grooves in a rotor can take away from its capacity
to slow the vehicle, as well as cause vibration and pulsation that can be felt
in the pedal. Generally, scored or grooved rotors require replacement
Symptoms of a BAD OR FAILING BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM
PUMP
Diesel vehicles that
have a│ stiff brake pedal
with power brakes working intermittently│
may need to have the brake booster vacuum pump replaced.
A brake booster vacuum pump is a component found on the braking system of
many modern diesel vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Due to their
operational nature, diesel engines generate considerably less manifold vacuum
than gasoline engines, and as a result, require a separate pump to produce the
vacuum required for the booster to operate. It is responsible for generating
vacuum for the vehicle’s brake booster so that the power assisted braking will
work.
Stiff brake pedal
One
of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the brake booster vacuum pump
is a stiff
brake pedal. The brake booster vacuum pump supplies the vacuum required for
the power brake booster to work. If it fails or has a problem, the vehicle will
be left without assisted braking. Without the brake booster, the brake pedal
will be stiff and will require considerably more effort to stop the vehicle
Intermittent power brakes
Another less common symptom of a problem with the booster vacuum pump are
power brakes that function intermittently. As most brake booster vacuum pumps
are electric, if there is any problem with any of the wiring or internal
components, this may cause the pump to come on and off intermittently. Most
pumps are designed to run continuously to provide a constant supply of vacuum
so that the power brakes will work at all times. If you find that the brakes
are assisted some times and not others, then the pump may not be
functioning correctly.
Symptoms of a BAD OR FAILING BRAKE LINE
Common signs
include │leaking brake fluid│ corrosion│ Brake Warning Light turning on│
They
serve as the piping for the braking system, which operates using hydraulic
pressure. The brake lines take the fluid from the master cylinder down to the
wheels, through the flexible brake hoses and into the vehicle’s calipers or
wheel cylinders. Most brake lines are made of steel to withstand high pressures
and exposure to the elements. However, over
time, they can develop problems. Any problems with the brake lines become a
problem with the braking system, which becomes a safety issue for the vehicle.
Usually faulty brake lines will produce a few symptoms that can alert the
driver that service may be required.
1. Leaking brake fluid
The
most common way that brake lines fail is that they begin
to leak. They are usually made of steel and capable of withstanding
pressures. However, they can sometimes become worn or damaged as the vehicle is
driven and are susceptible to leaks. Depending on the severity of the leak,
when a brake line fails, brake fluid may quickly leak out when the brakes are
applied.
2. Brake Warning Light comes on
Another
symptom that may indicate this problem has progressed further along is an
illuminated Brake
Warning Light. The brake light will come on when the brake pad wear sensors
are activated and when the fluid drops below a certain level. Usually if the
brake light comes on in relation to a failed brake line, this means that the
fluid has leaked out below an acceptable level and that attention may be
required.
3. Corrosion on brake lines
Another symptom of a problem with the brake lines is corrosion. Corrosion
can be caused by exposure to the elements. As it builds up, this can weaken the
lines making them more susceptible to leaks. Corrosion on brake lines are more
common on vehicles that are driven in snowy climates where salt is used to
remedy icy roads.
As
the brake lines are essentially part of the plumbing for the braking system,
they are very important to the overall vehicle safety. Usually damaged brake
lines will need to be replaced, and because brake hard lines are all made at
specific lengths and bent in very specific ways, special tools and knowledge
are required to service them
Symptoms of a BAD OR FAILING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Common
signs of a faulty brake master cylinder include │abnormal
brake pedal behavior│ contaminated brake
fluid│ Check Engine Light
turning on│
The brake
master cylinder is one of the most important components found on modern car
braking systems. It serves as the main valve that pushes brake fluid through
the brake
lines so that the brake calipers can squeeze the pads against the rotors.
It functions by pushing a metal rod through a cylinder to force fluid through
the braking system to the wheels. One end of this rod is attached to the pedal
and is actuated when the pedal is depressed. Usually a faulty brake master
cylinder will produce a few symptoms that alert the driver that service
may be required.
1. Abnormal brake pedal behavior
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or
failing brake master cylinder is abnormal brake pedal behavior. The master
cylinder is the component that generates all of the pressure for the braking
system, and if it develops any sort of problems sealing or distributing
pressure, this may be felt in the pedal. Over
time, with constant use, the seals inside of the cylinder can wear out and
form internal leaks. A bad brake master cylinder may result in a pedal that
feels mushy,
spongy, or that slowly sinks to the floor when depressed.
2. Contaminated brake fluid
Another symptom of a bad brake master cylinder is contaminated
brake fluid. Brake master cylinders use rubber seals which can break down
and wear out over time. When they do, they can contaminate the brake fluid and
will turn it dark
brown or black color. Aside from contaminating the fluid, a brake master
cylinder with worn seals will also not be able to hold brake pressure as
effectively and may also result in a mushy pedal or one that slowly
sinks to the floor.
3. Check Engine Light comes on
Another symptom commonly seen for newer vehicles is an illuminated
Check Engine Light. The braking systems on newer vehicles may have brake
fluid level and pressure sensors installed in the master cylinder. These
sensors are meant to detect any problem with the vehicle’s brake fluid
pressure, which is generated by the master cylinder. If they detect that the
pressure has dropped, it is possibly due to a problem with the master cylinder.
Symptoms of BAD OR FAILING BRAKE PADS
If
your brakes are│ noisy brakes│ pulsating or responding poorly brake
pedal │ or the brakes are
responding poorly│ you may need to
replace the brake pads.
Brake
pads are the component in the braking system that provide the friction to
slow your vehicle. They are located in the brake calipers and function by
pressing against the disc brake rotors with friction material to slow and stop
the wheels. As they are a contact wear item, the brake pads will eventually wear
out over time and need to replaced.
Usually bad or failing brake pads will produce a few symptoms that will alert
the driver that the vehicle may require service.
1. Noisy brakes
The most common symptom of bad or failing brake pads are noisy brakes. Brake
pads can accumulate dust as they wear, which if allowed to build excessively,
may cause vibration and squealing
when the pedal is applied or let off. Squealing
brake pads can also be caused by excessively worn pads that have worn down
to the point where the wear sensor has come into contact with the rotor.
Severely worn brake pads, ones that have worn all the way to the brake pad
backing plate, will produce a scraping sound as a result of the metal-on-metal
contact between the brake pad backing plate and the rotor. Depending on the
extent of the wear, the scraping may be audible when the vehicle is moving
forward or when the pedal is depressed.
2. Pulsating pedal
Another symptom of bad or failing brake pads is a pulsating
brake pedal. Severely or abnormally worn pads can cause the pedal to
pulsate when the brakes are applied. A pulsating pedal may also be indicative
of a potential problem with the rotor as well, as the pulsation felt in the
pedal is a result of the contact between the rotor and brake pad.
3. Poor brake response
Bad or failing brake pads can also cause poor brake response. If the brake
pads have been excessively overheated or severely worn, their capacity to slow
the vehicle may be hindered as a result. Reduced brake response will take away
from the overall handling and safety characteristics of the vehicle, especially
during heavy braking situations where the force and heat generated by braking
is considerably higher.
Symptoms of a BAD OR FAILING BRAKE HOSE
If your car's
brake pedal feels mushy │ the brake hose looks
damaged│ or if your brakes
stop working│ you may need to
replace the brake hose.
The braking systems commonly found on modern vehicles are composed of
several components that work together to slow and stop the vehicle. When the
brakes are applied, brake fluid is pumped from the master cylinder to the
calipers in order to expand the caliper piston and slow the vehicle. Before the
brake fluid reaches the caliper however, it must first go through a brake hose.
Brake hoses are the flexible hoses that attach the caliper to the wheel
cylinder. They must be flexible in order to accommodate for the vehicle’s
suspension travel when turning the wheels and traveling over uneven surfaces.
They are an important part of the braking system, and when they do fail, they
can cause problems for the rest of the system.
1. Mushy brake pedal
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a potential problem with
the brake hose is a mushy
brake pedal. If brake hoses develop any leaks that will compromise the
pressure of the system, this can lead to a mushy pedal. This is not only a
problem in that the brake feel will be abnormally mushy and therefore less
responsive, it is also a problem because it will cause a compromise in
hydraulic pressure, which the brake system uses to operate. Because the braking
system is what stops the vehicle, any sort of compromise to its operation is a
compromise to the safety of the vehicle.
2. Worn or damaged brake hose
Another common symptom of a bad or failing brake hose is damage or wear to
the exterior of the hose. Brake hoses are subject to constant pressure,
flexing, braking and turning, and as a result are made to withstand high
pressures. Over time, however, with exposure to the elements, as well as high
heat generated by braking, brake hoses can become worn out. They can develop
cracks, tears, or even loose hanging threads, which all weaken the hose and its
ability to hold pressure and leave it more susceptible to developing
leaks.
3. Brakes not operating
Another more serious symptom of a problematic brake hose is a vehicle with
inoperable brakes. The brake hoses are what feed the hydraulic brake fluid and
pressure to the calipers so that they can slow the vehicle. If one or more of
the brake hoses fails, the vehicle will not have brake pressure, and as a
result will have inoperable brakes. A vehicle with inoperable brakes is
obviously unsafe to drive, and should be serviced as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Brake Shoes (Rear)
If
your car has drum brakes and there are abnormal noises│ a reduced brake response│ and a loose parking brake│ you may need a brake shoe replacement.
Brake shoes are the friction element that is used in
automotive drum braking systems that are commonly found on many road going cars
and trucks. Brake shoes are the curved friction plates that press against the
inside of the brake drums to slow the wheels and stop the vehicle. As they work
to slow the vehicle using friction and contact, they will wear
out over time and need to be replaced&
Nigeria
United Arab Emirates
