Brake Repair
There is nothing more important on your car than its brakes. If you can’t stop you don’t dare drive!
The front brakes are similar to front bicycle brakes. On a bike you work a hand lever which causes a caliper with two small pads to grip the front wheel.
On a car you step on a pedal which causes a caliper and pads to grip a flat steel disc called a rotor. This rotor is bolted to the front wheel.
Repairing worn front disc brakes has to be done right. Depending on need this includes replacing pads, rotors and any worn hardware. Special antisqueel paste is applied to the backs of the pads. Pins, slides and caliper bosses are cleaned and lubed. All parts are then reassembled, torqued to spec, the vehicle is road tested and the pads are bedded in.
Performing all these steps insures the following: 1) The longest possible life from the disc brake pads and rotors. 2) The least possible squeel and noise. 3) True, straight braking with no vibration or chatter.
Rear drum brakes are similar to the old fashioned rear coaster brake on a bike. On both bike and car curved shoes expand to meet the inside of a drum creating the stopping force.
Depending on need the correct way to repair rear brakes includes replacing shoes, wheel cylinders and any worn hardware. Backing plates and adjusters and cleaned and lubed. Drums are surfaced or replaced. All parts are reassembled and torqued to spec. The brake system is flushed and the vehicle final road tested.
Brake Fluid Service
Often overlooked but very important is brake fluid service. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs water). This corrodes the inside of expensive antilock and other brake systems creating huge repair bills.
It is strongly recommended to flush the old brake fluid and replace it with new every two years or 30,000 miles.
Motor Works provides all brake services including specialty work like drum to disc brake conversions. Please call us with any questions.
Pick a date to schedule an appointment. Our staff will contact you to confirm availability.
