Types of Brakes
Disc
Brakes
Disc
brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and
a Caliper, which holds the Disc Brake Pads. Hydraulic pressure from the
Master Cylinder causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor
between the Disc Brake Pads. This creates friction between the pads and
rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop.
Drum
Brakes
Drum
brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the wheel, a Wheel Cylinder,
Brake Shoes and Brake Return Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master
Cylinder causes the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the
Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or
stop your car.
Parking
Brake
The
Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the
rear brake.) This is used to prevent the car from rolling when not being
driven.
Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For
Safety
Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently
developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made, the ABS prevents
wheel lock-up. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor
wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on
and off rapidly, and the on-board computer.
BRAKES &
BRAKE REPAIR
At Integrity Auto Repair, we want our Eugene customers to have the
opportunity to feel comfortable in their vehicle. You can leave the
repairs and services to our professionals, but please don't hesitate to
ask us questions about why a service is needed or how it occurred. Give us
a call at 541-343-1545, and we will be happy to speak with you. Here is
some valuable information on brake issues and corrective services
Integrity Auto Repair offers.
Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Brake pad problems can usually be identified by squealing brakes. If your
brake pads deteriorate completely, you'll hear a grinding metal-on-metal
sound when braking, meaning that it's too late and you're ruining your
rotors or drums! Those with knowledge of auto repair may be able to fix
this at home, but you should always see an auto repair professional
immediately if you have brake problems.
Resurface Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle's wheels. When
the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and wheels to a
stop. However, the friction causes grooves and cracks to appear over time.
Resurfacing brings the rotor back to a "like-new" condition, reducing
squealing and wobbling. Integrity Auto Repair will give your rotors a
thorough inspection and recommend your best course of action.
Caliper Replacement
The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the rotor like a
clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A brake caliber
problem could cause uneven braking, making your car slide forward when you
brake. Uneven braking can also cause your vehicle to slide out of control
in bad weather conditions, so contact Integrity Auto Repair as soon as
possible.
Brake Hoses
A brake hose is a tube carrying pressurized brake fluid from the master
cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause a lagged or slow brake,
and a leak in the hose can cause the brake, or the entire brake system, to
fail. These don't need to be replaced often, but should be replaced at the
first sign of cracking or wear.
Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid will absorb water from the air over time, causing the brake
system to become less effective and the fluid to become corrosive,
possibly damaging the system. It is important to perform a brake fluid
flush regularly to ensure that your vehicle is using fresh fluid. Talk to
our technicians at Integrity Auto Repair about when it's time for a brake
fluid flush.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are found inside of wheels, allowing the wheels to spin
freely, and are connected to the brake system. They can become worn over
time, causing a vibrating suspension and noisy rubbing as the car is
driven. If they break completely, the vehicle will become very difficult
to control and unsafe to drive. Replacement interval for wheel bearings
varies greatly, but they should be checked for leaks and wear
periodically. Integrity Auto Repair can make sure that your bearings are
in good shape and let you know if they need replacement.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) ensure that the wheels don't stop rotating
during braking, preventing the car from skidding and offering greater
control. If your ABS light comes on, visit Integrity Auto Repair where we
will be happy to diagnose and fix the problem.
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