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brake system | exhaust system | tires | engine system | spark plugs | tune-ups Brakes
Description Today, virtually all cars come with ABS as standard equipment or as
an option. The typical ABS system includes wheel-speed sensors, a hydraulic
control unit, and an electronic control unit. When you apply the brake
pedal, the electronic control unit monitors and compares the signals
from the wheel-speed sensors. If the electronic control unit senses rapid
deceleration (impending lock-up) at a given wheel, the electronic control
unit commands the hydraulic control unit to reduce hydraulic pressure
to that wheel. This type of pressure limiting is similar to pumping the
brake pedal, only much faster. Some pick-up trucks and cargo vans have
rear-wheel only ABS to handle different braking needs under different
loading conditions. This type of ABS system controls only the rear wheels
and limits pressure to both of them when either is about to lock. ABS was designed to help you maintain directional control during emergency
stops and when road conditions are poor. By maintaining control, you
have better chances of avoiding a crash. ABS is especially useful on
wet and slippery roads. You should never pump the brake pedal on a car
with ABS, since the system itself “pumps” the brakes automatically.
All you need to do is apply firm and continuous pressure to the brake
pedal to activate ABS operation. When the ABS system operates, you may
feel a pulsating sensation from the brake pedal. When ABS operation is
no longer needed, the braking system reverts to conventional hydraulic
operation without intervention from the ABS system. When turning the ignition switch to the on position, the amber BRAKE, ANTILOCK or ABS light on the instrument panel should glow momentarily, and then turn off. If the light stays on or flashes, or comes on while driving, it indicates a fault in the ABS system. Have your car’s ABS system inspected immediately by a professional technician to determine the source of the problem. Your owner’s manual may specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system, which should not be overlooked. This is a service best left to professional technicians, as many cars with ABS have specialized brake-bleeding procedures. Braking systems with ABS can also generate extremely high hydraulic pressures, which can be dangerous. Once again, consult a professional service technician if your car needs ABS or hydraulic system service.
Description Brake fluid is a specially formulated liquid used in
the brake hydraulic system. Brake fluid must meet one of three specifications.
DOT3 and DOT4 are glycol-based fluids, which absorb water. DOT5 is a
silicone-based fluid and does not absorb water. The main difference is
that DOT3 and DOT4 absorb water, while DOT5 doesn't. Most cars use DOT
3 fluid from the factory. Since liquids can't be compressed, brake fluid transmits force to various parts of the braking system when you step on the brake pedal. Brake fluid must also have a high boiling point because of the heat generated during braking and must not freeze during cold temperatures. DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids also attract small amounts of water that may collect in the brake system.
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir regularly, ideally at every oil change. Most cars use semi-transparent reservoirs that have level markings to make fluid monitoring easy. If you need to add fluid, use only the type of fluid recommended in your car's owner's manual. Do not leave the cover off the master cylinder any longer than necessary; DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids attract water. Use extreme care when handling DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluid as it quickly destroys paint if spilled. On cars with disc brakes, it's normal for the fluid level to gradually drop as the brakes wear. This fluid fills up the space left by the disc brake calliper pistons as they move outward with brake wear. However, if you find that brake fluid needs to be added frequently, there may be a leak in the hydraulic system. Have the system inspected as soon as possible by a qualified service technician. Your owner's manual may specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system, which should not be overlooked. This is a service best left to professional technicians, as many cars with ABS have specialized brake-bleeding procedures. Braking systems with ABS can also generate extremely high hydraulic pressures, which can be dangerous. Once again, consult a professional service technician if your car needs ABS or hydraulic system service.
Description Brake hardware generally refers to the supporting hardware
for disc and drum brakes. Hardware related to disc brakes usually includes
anti-rattle springs, pad-retaining springs, silencing shims, calliper
pins, support keys, return springs, and retaining screws. Typical drum
brake hardware includes return springs, hold-down springs, tension springs
and star wheel adjuster. It's important to note that the exact hardware
configuration and names of the hardware vary considerably with different
makes and models of cars. Brake hardware is used to retain brake parts in certain locations and can also be used to return parts to certain positions when hydraulic pressure is released. Certain types of brake hardware are also used to silence disc brakes.
Symptoms of brake hardware problems may include dragging brakes, squealing while braking, grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking. If your car exhibits any of these symptoms, have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible. When your car is due for brake service, ask if the brake hardware will be replaced. Having the hardware replaced during brake service is the best investment you can make to ensure safe braking and longest life from your new brakes.
Description Historically, pads and shoes contained a lining material
made of asbestos or asbestos compounds. Today's friction lining may contain
semi-metallic compounds, non-asbestos organic compounds, and ceramics,
among others. Pads and shoes are the wearable friction elements of
the braking system. When installed properly, they should provide reliable
and quiet braking for many miles. Have your car's brakes inspected annually to make sure everything's OK. It's always best to be able to plan ahead for brake work by knowing brake condition as your car ages. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, so sooner or later they're going to need replacement. Planning can also save you money, because the brakes won't get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means expensive rotor or drum replacement. Symptoms of brake problems may include dragging brakes, squealing brakes, a pulsating brake pedal (with ABS not functioning), grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking. If your car exhibits any of these symptoms, have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
Description Brake drums and rotors are the spinning members of the
braking system that come in contact with the lining material from the
brake shoes and pads. Drums are usually made of cast iron and rotors
may be made of cast iron, or a composite of cast iron and a stamped steel
center section. Drums and rotors provide the mating surface for brake
shoes and pads. Because of the heat generated from all the friction,
a drum or rotor must be able to remain stable even when subjected to
the temperatures of repeated braking. Have your car’s brakes inspected annually to make sure everything’s OK. It’s always best to be able to plan ahead for brake work by knowing brake condition as your car ages. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, so sooner or later they’re going to need replacement. Planning can also save you money, because the brakes won’t get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means expensive rotor or drum replacement. Symptoms of brake problems may include dragging brakes, squealing brakes, a pulsating brake pedal (with ABS not functioning), grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking. If your car exhibits any of these symptoms, have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible. return to previous menu
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Morden Servicentre Ltd. 263 Speers Rd. Oakville Ontario., L6K 2E8 Tel: 905.844.8314
