When we think of brake repair, our minds normally go to replacing brake pads and rotors, or calipers.
However, brake maintenance can also include other parts you might not be as familiar with, such as brake hardware.
Sometimes, brake jobs involve replacing or taking care of these smaller (yet vital) pieces.
What is hardware for brakes?
What is considered brake hardware will differ between disc brakes and drum brakes.
On disc brakes, this is going to be clips that rest on the brake caliper bracket. Those clips either hold the brake head in place or provide a surface so the brake pad can slide back and forth.
Brake hardware for drum brakes are the springs and hold downs that hold the shoes in place and allow them to move.
What brake hardware problems can occur?
Typically, the hardware will become rusted or break. Moisture and heat are your two biggest enemies.
In Northern Virginia, the occasional winter weather we receive could have an impact. Salt and sand from the road can corrode metal.
How do you know if brake hardware is bad?
There aren’t many signs that the hardware on your vehicle has reached the end of its lifespan. Hardware primarily will make a high pitched sound if it comes into contact with anything.
Unless a driver notices a problem (such as a noise), our technicians usually see if there are any hardware problems when performing a visual inspection.
We are able to install new brake hardware if needed.
What happens if you don’t replace brake hardware?
If you don’t replace hardware when it comes time, they can become brittle or may get damaged on the transfer.
After you’ve disturbed them, the hardware will start making noise.
How can you maintain hardware for brakes?
Brake hardware is metal, so it can last a long time if it’s taken care of properly. You can maintain disc brakes through lubrication.
It’s important that the right kind is used. The brake caliper grease needs to be able to stick so it won’t run off when it gets hot.
We use the same grease we put the slide pins in with to lubricate the disc brake hardware.
Not only does brake hardware require a certain type of lubrication, it also matters how much is applied.
Using the right amount of grease will help you avoid corrosion buildup while preventing items on the road from collecting on brake parts.
Generally, you don’t grease drum brakes, except for a couple of contact points on the dust shield. Drum brakes require what’s called a “clean and adjust”. Vehicles with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear should get a clean and adjust every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
What should I do if I think I need new hardware?
If you’re picking up on a high pitched noise (or any other sound) while driving, ask an auto repair shop to look into the problem.
Our technicians check out these concerns through noise diagnostics, which consists of test drives, visual inspections, and recreating the sound.
If an autoshop finds new hardware is needed, it’s a good idea to move forward with that recommendation.
By replacing key brake parts and performing proper maintenance, you can keep your braking system running as designed.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.