Six Common Brake Problems in Motor Vehicles

No matter how good of a driver you think you are, brake problems can almost always surface at any time of the year. This can put you at serious risk when behind the wheel. Keep in mind the six most common brake problems found in motor vehicles.

1. ABS brake warning light comes on. This is an indicator that the vehicle's onboard computer has shut off the ABS braking system. If this happens it means a problem was traced. Your brakes will allow you to stop in this event but you will have no more protection against a break or wheel lock-up. This is more of a minor problem which will enable you to get safely to the auto repair shop.

How To Replace Brake Pads

2. The brake warning light goes on. This can be a simple indicator that your emergency brakes are still engaged. If you see that it is still on, release it. On a more serious note, this could also indicate that your brake lubrication and cooling fluids could be dangerously low. Have your fluids checked and re-filled immediately. If your light does not turn off after this, it could mean that there is a leak in one specific part of your braking system. In this event, contact your auto service provider right away.

Six Common Brake Problems in Motor Vehicles

3. When the brakes lock. This could happen when there is a damaged brake pad, shoe, or perhaps both. It could also be in relation to the disc calipers or wheel bearing functions. In this case you want to get your car towed right away and call for roadside assistance.

4. It is hard to break and your brake pedal will not go down all the way or at all. This problem can be very simple, something could be under your brake pedal. A more complex problem that could cause this is when there is a failed or pinched brake fluid line. Also it could be a failure of the power brake boosting mechanism or both. Again, you want to call for roadside assistance and tow truck if this occurs.

5. The brake pedal feels "mushy" and goes beyond its normal levels. A spongy brake pedal can be the result of too much air in the brake fluid line. A more serious problem could be a break fluid leak or damage to your master brake cylinder. This problem calls for a tow truck as well.

6. The brakes make a squealing noise. This could have many sources. Dirt could be trapped in the wheel. It could also be the result of worn out brake linings, warped or cracked brake shoes, or brake adjusters that are not out of alignment. If you are experiencing a continuous brake squeal it is either because you have wheel bearing damage or your brake pads have far surpassed their replacement point. To prevent permanent brake rotor damage, have this looked at right away.

Six Common Brake Problems in Motor Vehicles Astro Brake Job AWD Tube. Duration : 9.92 Mins.

New pads and rotor installed on 94 Chevy Astro all wheel drive.

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