Dealing With Brake Problems
You’ve got the car motor running, the transmission cranking, and the wheels turning. Things are going now, but then you hear a grinding sound, almost screeching when you press on the brakes. What does that mean? Most likely, it means you need to take your car to the mechanic for a car brake repair job.
What are the indications that it is time for brake repair?
While it is important for the engine, transmission, and wheels all to be in good working order, the brakes are just as important, maybe even more so. The average time between brake pads being replaced is every 25,000 miles to 65,000 miles, and brake rotors typically need to be replaced between 30,000 miles to 70,000 miles. The driving conditions and the driver’s style will cause a difference in these numbers.
A good thing about car brakes, is there are symptoms that will let you know it is time to schedule a car brake repair appointment. The key is for you to be aware of these five symptoms and not ignore them:
1. Squeaking or Squealing
As brake pads near the end of their life, they will begin executing a squeaking or squealing sound when you activate them. This is usually because the brake pads are worn down. You will hear a grinding noise eventually if you keep driving, which can cause more damage and it becomes more dangerous to be driving too. Scheduling a car brake repairs appointment sooner than later is recommended.
2. Grinding
As we just mentioned, ignore that squealing and squeaking sound, you will begin hearing a grinding sound when you press on the brakes. This noise means the brake pads are worn and your brakes are what is called “metal to metal”, meaning there is no brake bad left. You need a car brake repair now; waiting is no longer an option.
3. Vibration
If you feel a vibration from your brakes as you press on them, the brake rotors have warped after you’ve ignored the other signs, and a professional car brake repair is your only option.
4. Slow Stopping
As you apply your brakes, if they aren’t stopping right away, it may be because the brake fluid level is low. Take your car to the mechanic and have them check the fluid. If they add fluid and the brakes start having a slow response again, you may have a leak in the brake line, or the master cylinder may be going out. Can you repair a brake master cylinder?
Yes, the master cylinder is a common car brake repair. It is usually a matter of replacing the seals. Once that is done, the mechanic will “bleed” the brakes, which is getting all air out of the lines. Can you repair brake hoses? The brake line will need to be replaced. Again, once the line is replaced, the mechanic will “bleed” the air from the brake system.
5. Brake Light
Cars today come with a warning light when the brakes need attention. There is the ABS (anti lock braking system) light, the emergency brake light, and the main brake system light. When these lights won’t go off, you need to have your car’s brake system inspected for possible car brake repair.
Can you repair brake calipers?
Brake caliper kits are expensive car brake repairs that expand the lifespan of a car’s braking system. By 75,000 miles or a car that is 10 years old, it is time to have the entire braking system inspected and possibly rebuild or replace the brake calipers. By that time, the rubber seals have hardened with age, and the caliper could begin to leak or stick, becoming ineffective.
Can you repair a brake switch?
Yes, and it is one of the easiest car brake repairs possible. The brake switch is found near the tip of the brake pedal, easy to reach and the new brake switch simply snaps in. There aren’t any special tools needed and many car owners can do their own for under $20. Or if your mechanic does the job, it may cost $50.00 for labor and part.
How much is a full brake repair?
The make and model of a car will be a factor in car brake repair jobs, as well as the problem with the brake system. Some brake repair jobs can cost up to $1,000 with an average between $300 to $800.
How much is brake repair on a BMW?
Yes, BMW car brake repairs are common, and very likely will be one of those $1,000 or more brake jobs. A BMW front brake pads and rotors repair job can range between $500 and $900 while the rear brake pads and rotors can cost between $450 and $800.
How much does it cost to fix Mercedes brakes?
Yes, a Mercedes-Benz car brake repair job will average around $150 and $450 per axle. The make and year of the car and the type of brake pad installed can have an effect on this cost. The brake rotor replacement can cost between $300 and $750 for all four units for parts and labor.
Bring It All to A Stop Any driver that has to ask, “Why do brakes need to be replaced?”, should probably take a driver’s ed course. When brake issues and problems are ignored, the brake pads and brake rotors will wear out to the point of the car not stopping. All of the components in a brake system work together, and it is in the interest of safety that you have your brakes inspected and replaced as recommended by the car manufacturer or your mechanic.