Car Repairs Belfast Part 1 – Brakes

Basic Troubleshooting will focus on the most common problems that you would usually find on your motor vehicle. It will provide a starting point and will also help you make the decision whether you can self repair or refer your vehicle to the garage. In this part Car Repairs Belfast will focus on the Brakes.

Car Repairs Belfast Will now Look First At Brake Problems

Brakes on any vehicle are one of the most important aspects and shouldn’t be overlooked if there’s anything out of the ordinary. If you find that your car is having a braking problem whether it’s grinding or squeaking sounds, spongy pedal or weak brakes you will need to troubleshoot the problem and repair it as soon as possible. In this Part Car Repairs Belfast will focus on diagnosing brake problems.

Brake Pedal Extends Too Far When Stopping

When you press on the footbrake it feels like it is extending too far before you begin to slow down, you might have the following problems:

•  Worn Brake Pads: You should never allow your brake pads to wear down to low and a good indicator of this would be if the pads are squeaking loudly. A good indicator of brake pads would be to measure the side of the pads with a pound coin and if it equals the width than that will generally mean there good enough. If they do get low though then replace the pads as soon as possible.
• Low Brake Fluid Level: A simple check which will take 2 minutes. If the level is low top up straight away to the mark on the side of the reservoir
• Contamination of Brake Fluid: Contamination of Brake Fluid can be difficult to diagnose. Although the braking operates a closed system air can still enter into system through the tiniest of holes or condensation could build up. Simply bleed the fluid out of the system and top up with clean fluid. Car Repairs Belfast suggests a professional carried this action out as a brake test will then follow the diagnostic.

Brake Pedal is Too Firm When Applying

When you step onto the brake and it suddenly feels like a lead weight than your pedal may be too firm. There are a few symptoms which will all need addressing straight away.

•  Vacuum Problems: Your brakes operate on a vacuum system which makes braking easier and gives you the strength to operate the pedal a lot smoother and less pressure. If there is a vacuum leak then the brake booster is probably not operating correctly. Check for leaks in the system and if you find none then refer your vehicle to Car Repairs Belfast at the earliest opportunity
• Obstruction in The Brake Line: It’s also possible that there could be some sort of obstruction in the brake line. This could be a small chunk of rust or even just grime that has built up over time. Give the brake line a visual inspection and replace damaged brake lines immediately.

No Resistance on the Brake Pedal

When you step on the footbrake and there is no pressure or resistance and it goes all the way to the floor resulting in no braking.

•  Low or No Brake Fluid: A simple check which will take 2 minutes. If the level is low top up straight away to the mark on the side of the reservoir
• Air in the Brake Fluid/ Brake Lines Contamination of Brake Fluid can be difficult to diagnose. Although the braking operates a closed system air can still enter into system through the tiniest of holes or condensation could build up. Simply bleed the fluid out of the system and top up with clean fluid. Car Repairs Belfast suggests a professional carried this action out as a brake test will then follow the diagnostic.
• Master Cylinder Inoperable: An inoperable master cylinder will cause your brakes to have no pressure or resistance. Master cylinders have to be replaced and cannot be repaired.

Spongy Brakes

The pedal can become spongy over time and sometimes your brakes will still work but could take longer to stop due to there being less braking power, especially when you apply the brakes more suddenly.

•  Low Brake Fluid: A simple check which will take 2 minutes. If the level is low top up straight away to the mark on the side of the reservoir
• Contamination of Brake Fluid: Contamination of Brake Fluid can be difficult to diagnose. Although the braking operates a closed system air can still enter into system through the tiniest of holes or condensation could build up. Simply bleed the fluid out of the system and top up with clean fluid. Car Repairs Belfast suggests a professional carried this action out as a brake test will then follow the diagnostic.
• Worn Brake Pads: You should never allow your brake pads to wear down too low and a good indicator of this would be if the pads are are squeaking loudly. A good indicator of brake pads would be to measure the side of the pads with a pound coin and if it equals the width than that will generally mean there good enough. If they do get low though then replace the pads as soon as possible.

Brakes Pulling/Grabbing to One Side

When applying your brakes they should brake evenly and smoothly. If they don’t and your brakes pull to one side then these are the common problems.

• Worn Brake Pads: You should never allow your brake pads to wear down to low and a good indicator of this would be if the pads are are squeaking loudly. A good indicator of brake pads would be to measure the side of the pads with a pound coin and if it equals the width than that will generally mean there good enough. If they do get low though then replace the pads as soon as possible.
• Brake Disk Damaged: On inspecting your brake disks if they look bent and misaligned then this could be the cause of your brakes pulling to one side. You will need to replace your brake disks immediately and also replacing them as a pair.

Brakes Dragging

When you release on the footbrake then braking should also cease. If they don’t then this could cause overheating and further damage to brake parts.

• Damaged Wheel Cylinder: A damaged wheel cylinder will not relax and release its pressure. A wheel cylinder may also get stuck and keep the brakes on even if only slightly.
• Failure of the parking brake releasing: If your parking brake fails to release then it will stay on until released. As its cable operated ensure you keep the cable ends and other parking brake parts well lubricated. If the cable continues to stick then it may be frayed and will need replacing.

Brakes Squeaking or Whining

If your brakes make those sounds then inspect the problem straight away.

•  Worn Brake Pads: You should never allow your brake pads to wear down to low and a good indicator of this would be if the pads are are squeaking loudly. A good indicator of brake pads would be to measure the side of the pads with a pound coin and if it equals the width than that will generally mean there good enough. If they do get low though then replace the pads as soon as possible.

Car Repairs Belfast is always on hand for more advice

These are just the most common problems found with troubleshooting of the brakes. If you have any problems then come down to Car Repairs Belfast.