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What can cause overheating brakes?

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Typically, brake services are performed because of daily wear and tear.

The brake pads and rotors may be low, or a brake fluid exchange might be needed based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

But, from time to time, a driver will experience a brake problem that leads to a repair.

Overheating brakes is one issue we have seen.

How can you tell when your brakes are overheating?

A few signs can indicate that you have overheating brakes.

You might face performance problems when driving or notice a concerning symptom, like:

  • Brake rotors turning white
  • Car pulling while braking
  • Smoke or a smell coming from the rotors
  • Spongy brake pedal

The smell coming from the brake rotors would be a metal burning smell. We worked on a Ford where the brakes looked and smelled burnt.

Overheating brakes on Ford.
Overheating brakes on Ford

What causes overheating brakes?

How do brakes become overheated?

Overheating brakes can stem from a few different sources:

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) not releasing pressure correctly
  • Brake caliper pistons not going in and out
  • Brake caliper slides seizing
  • Resting a foot on the brake pedal
  • Towing heavy loads

On the Ford we mentioned earlier, one of the pistons wouldn’t release. As a result, the brake caliper dragged and the rotor became very hot.

Can you drive with overheating brakes?

If you think your brakes are overheating, you should avoid driving the vehicle and have it towed to an autoshop. 

Say you have a caliper that’s dragging on a rotor and we already know that caliper is bad. You’re already going to replace the rotor because it’s going to have run out.

Driving the car could overheat your lug nuts and wheel studs, causing damage to the threads. It can also boil the brake fluid so bad that it affects other things down the line. You’re creating heat, and when you do that metal wants to stick together.

Driving your car when you have overheating brakes would only cause more damage.

How do you fix overheated brakes?

When the brakes are overheating, an auto repair shop may recommend replacing certain components.

The Ford, for example, needed a new caliper as well as brake pads and rotors.

Nissan Maxima brake fluid exchange.
Nissan Maxima brake fluid exchange

In addition to replacing the brake parts, you would also want to service the brake fluid. Once it gets hot, it introduces moisture, and that’s a bad reaction. So, it’s important to flush the brake fluid out.

We also like to change out the soft lines when a brake caliper overheats or a pad sticks to a rotor. 

The inside of these soft lines can break down and start plugging. When this occurs, they don’t release pressure.

Do I need brake repair? 

A wide range of problems can impact your braking system.

Your car might need brake repair if you are hearing brake noises. These sounds can be anything from a grinding to a squeaking or squealing. 

The red brake light coming on and brake fluid leaks are other problems to watch for.

If it seems like something is wrong with the brake pedal or if it feels like the brakes themselves aren’t working right, you will want to have an automotive expert look into it.

With any kind of car problem, follow your instincts. If you aren’t sure if it’s safe to drive, don’t!

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Brake hardware problems and maintenance

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

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.

Rear brake drum hardware.
Rear brake drum hardware

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. 

Front disc brake caliper hardware.
Front disc brake caliper hardware

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.

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Does my car have a brake fluid leak?

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Car problems can sometimes stop us in our tracks, especially if it has something to do with the brakes.

The braking system requires its own maintenance that help prevent future issues

Certain challenges, however, crop up unexpectedly – brake fluid leaks being one of them.

How can I tell when I have a brake fluid leak?

Various signs can clue you in that your vehicle has a brake fluid leak. 

Low brake fluid: A shop might point out that the brake fluid is low when bringing your vehicle in for maintenance. If you’re experiencing any braking problems while out and about, you may want to check the brake fluid level.

Soft brake pedal: Does it seem like your brakes aren’t working right? When you step on the brake pedal, is it going to the floor? It could mean that your car has a brake fluid leak.

Fluid near wheel: If you have a brake fluid leak, you might see fluid around the wheel. Brake fluid can be brown, clear or yellow.

Red brake light: Low brake fluid is one of the possible reasons why the red brake light comes on.

Low brake fluid on Hyundai Tucson.
Low brake fluid on Hyundai Tucson

Where can brake fluid leak?

There are a number of places across the braking system where leaks could make an appearance.

These areas include brake lines and hoses, as well as calipers. Brake fluid leaks can also show up at fittings and the master cylinder. 

The wheel cylinder and anti-lock braking system (ABS) control module are other potential leak sources.

What are some reasons behind brake fluid leaks?

Over time, brake parts experience wear that may lead to brake fluid leaks.

For example, age and impacts could weaken the rubber on brake hoses. Seals near the brake caliper pistons might go bad. 

Corrosion can also take its toll. Sometimes, rust collects on brake lines and other components. We could see brake fluid leaking while inspecting a Land Rover. When he removed the side cover, the technician found rusted brake lines that were leaking.

How do we track down brake fluid leaks?

Nine times out of 10, brake fluid leaks are high pressure and exterior. So, it’s just a matter of lifting the vehicle up and looking underneath.

You figure out where the high pressure spray is coming from and there’s your leak. Another option is following any corrosion trails because brake fluid kills paint. 

The only time that you can have an internal brake fluid leak is behind the master cylinder and brake booster. In those cases, we have to remove the master cylinder to inspect this area.

Why should brake fluid leaks be fixed?

It’s important that brake fluid leaks are resolved as soon as possible. Why?

Reason number one – they are a safety concern. You shouldn’t use a vehicle if you think brake fluid is leaking, because it may impact the brake pressure.

These leaks are one of the items our technicians check for when performing a Virginia Safety Inspection.

You also don’t want to ignore brake fluid leaks because they could lead to additional repairs down the road. Brake fluid can ruin parts, due to its corrosive nature.

So, if you have reason to believe that your car is leaking brake fluid, get in touch with a nearby auto repair shop that can look it over.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Brake noises and the problems behind them

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Did you hear that?

You may pick up on a wide range of sounds when you get behind the wheel. Some of them might stem from a car’s braking system.

In certain cases, brake noises can be normal. They could also mean that different kinds of brake repair or maintenance is needed. 

What brake noises can appear?

Brake noises you may notice include:

  • Rattling
  • Squealing
  • Grinding
  • Squeaking
  • Groaning
  • Popping

Brake hardware or a backing plate, which is a thin metal, are going to make a high pitched noise. If you’re hearing what appears to be a rattling, it could mean that the vehicle has broken brake hardware or loose brake parts. It may also be time to lubricate components.

Grinding sounds can be the result of brake wear. A low pitched grind is typically associated with metal on metal, such as the brake rotors rubbing against the plates on the brake pads.

Brakes metal to metal.
Brakes metal to metal

The wheel bearings might be causing uneven or early wear on the brake pads and rotors, too.

Rust and pitting on rotors cause noise or vibrations. Also, you have rust and corrosion on tone rings, which can make the anti-lock braking system (ABS) engage.

You may hear what appears to be a grinding noise if there is rust on the rotors from the vehicle sitting.

Rust building up can lead to a squeaking noise, as well. The weather could also be at fault. You might experience this symptom if it’s cold and damp outside. Certain brake pads – like performance brake pads – also create this sound if they’re cold.

There are several other possible causes behind brake noise. One of them is brake dust, which brakes produce as they experience wear.

Sounds can be linked with brake pads, as well. This symptom may appear when a vehicle has poor brake pads or uses cheap brake pad material. If new brake pads were installed on old brake rotors, it might generate brake noise.

Car sounds can clue you in on problems your vehicle is currently facing and repairs it may soon need.

How do we find the cause of brake noises?

Noise diagnostics may be needed to pinpoint the culprit behind brake noises.

This can include a visual inspection, test drive, and trying to imitate the sound.

It’s important to keep in mind that what’s heard may come across differently among drivers. So, if you aren’t sure what type of sound it is when talking to an auto repair shop, you might want to ask them to listen during the drop off.

What are other common brake problems?

Aside from brake noises and brake wear, our technicians look for a variety of brake problems.

These include issues with the brake pedal – does it feel soft or hard when you press on it?

We want to make sure the brake hoses don’t have any cracks and aren’t twisted.

Another problem we watch for is brake fluid leaks, which could occur at the brake calipers, brake lines, brake hoses and other places. 

During the Virginia State Inspection, our inspectors also check the parking brake and confirm that the red brake light isn’t on.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Red brake light causes and diagnostics

In Automotive Diagnostics, Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

We worked on a Toyota 4Runner that had its brake light turn on. 

The brake pedal also didn’t feel right and the brake fluid reservoir was empty. Our technician didn’t see any brake fluid leaks.

Diagnostic testing was needed to determine the cause and any needed brake repair.

We started with a brake fluid exchange. This brought the brake fluid reservoir back to where it needed to be and restored the brake pedal.

Brake fluid exchange on a Toyota 4Runner.
Brake fluid exchange on a Toyota 4Runner

Why did my brake light turn on?

The red brake light is supposed to be appear when your parking brake is on. If it doesn’t turn off when you release the parking brake, it could be hinting at an underlying problem.

Parking brake system issues: If the red brake light stays on, you may have a switch problem in your parking brake pedal or handle. 

Electrical issue: On newer vehicles, it could indicate you have a parking brake issue because everything is electronic now. So, if the motor isn’t in the right position when you’re moving, it might throw that brake light on.

Low brake fluid: The brake light might also appear on your dashboard if the brake fluid isn’t at the right threshold.

Empty brake fluid reservoir on a Toyota 4Runner.
Empty brake fluid reservoir on a Toyota 4Runner

ABS problem: For some cars, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) issue will prompt a bunch of lights to come on – possibly the ABS light, traction control light, and brake light. It can be an extra indicator that something is going on.

Brake pads: European vehicles will have brake pad wear sensors that trigger the light when it hits a certain measurement and tells you that you need brake pads. 

What does diagnostic testing look like?

As we begin brake light diagnostics, we note any related concerns that a customer mentions.

Our technicians usually start with looking at the parking brake and brake fluid.

For the parking brake, we want to make sure the parking brake switch is disengaged and not sending a signal to the car saying the parking brake is on.

The brake fluid level is inspected, too. 

A code scan is also a part of the diagnostic process.

Our next steps will depend on what we find initially. A parking brake-related problem would lead us to check travel on the cable and the switch.

Low brake fluid might indicate a brake fluid leak. There could be an external leak, such as a fitting, line, or brake caliper. 

If we can’t see an external leak, we need to investigate internal leaks, which would be in the master cylinder. The master cylinder bolts to the booster that has a diaphragm. The brake fluid can go in there and you won’t see it because it gets burned up in the engine. 

Resolving brake problems

Does your braking system seem off? Maybe it’s taking longer to stop your vehicle. Some drivers feel like the brake pedal is going to the floor or they have a hard brake pedal.

You may also get brake pulsations in the front or the rear. This will feel like shaking in the steering wheel, pedal or seat.

Motorists might hear a grinding noise or squealing sound, as well.

Make sure to get any brake problems you’re experiencing checked out by an auto repair shop. They could find that nothing is wrong, or your car might be due for brake maintenance.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What can cause sticking brakes on your car

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Do your car brakes feel like they are sticking?

A Cadillac XTS driver was experiencing this problem. When it was brought into our shop, our technician saw that the driver side rear wheel wasn’t spinning. The brakes would stick when they were cold and hot.

Sticking brakes can feel like you’re pressing the brake pedal even though you’re not.

When they’re hot, you may notice a vibration or – eventually – a pulsation.

There are a few possible problems that could cause brakes to stick

  • Slide pins not moving
  • Seized brake caliper
  • Parking brake mechanism sticking

We recommended brake diagnostics to track down the exact reason and see if it was causing other issues.

What problems can lead to sticking brakes?

When working on this type of brake repair, our technicians start with the brake fluid.

We inspect and recommend replacing brake fluid when opening the brake lines. This fluid is very corrosive – if brake fluid is on an item it could easily take off the paint.

With the transfer of heat and moisture, the fluid can break down the inside of the braking system if you don’t service it regularly.

Old brake calipers for a Cadillac XTS.
Old brake calipers for a Cadillac XTS

If a customer mentions that their car has sticking brakes, we would want to make sure the slide pins move. It’s also important to confirm that the brake caliper pushes down and the parking brake mechanism isn’t stuck.

There are a couple different kinds of parking brakes. Some operate with the caliper and others are actuated from the inside with brake shoes. They both have an arm mechanism and work similarly.

Brake repair on the Cadillac XTS

On the Cadillac XTS, the electric parking brake was operating correctly and the slide pins were free. This helped us track down the reason behind the brake problem – a caliper that was seizing up.

If this part doesn’t move freely, it gets stuck in one position and has to be moved. The pistons on the Cadillac’s caliper wouldn’t move back and forth.

When replacing brake calipers, we will do it in pairs. The other caliper was working fine. However, if you take a new caliper and an old caliper, one will react faster than the other.

Old brake hoses on a Cadillac XTS.
Old brake hoses on a Cadillac XTS

The brake hoses were changed, as well. You have a soft rubber on the inside of the hose that can deteriorate. We replaced both the calipers and the hoses as a set to avoid a repeat problem.

Now this car has fresh parts, new fluid, and a healthy braking system.

Taking care of your brakes

Staying up-to-date on brake maintenance keeps the system running as it was designed and prevents premature wear among parts.

Brake fluid exchanges are suggested every 30,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Brake hoses, brake lines, brake pads and rotors, brake hardware and other components should be replaced as needed.

Our technicians perform digital inspections to let customers know how different parts of the vehicle are looking and share any recommended services.

If you experience any braking problems while driving, have that checked out by a nearby auto repair shop. That includes sticking brakes, hard brake pedals, brake pedals going to the floor, and shaking in the seat or steering wheel when braking.

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.

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Why is my brake pedal going to the floor?

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Is your car’s brake pedal going to the floor? Does it seem like your brakes aren’t working the way they should? You may have what auto repair shops call a “soft brake pedal”.

It can be a nerve-wracking experience when the brakes are malfunctioning – especially as you’re driving.

If anything seems off with your vehicle, pull over in a safe location and reach out to an auto repair shop. The best (and safest) option may be having it towed.

Soft brake pedal causes

A few brake problems can lead to a soft brake pedal.

Leaking brake caliper on a Chrysler Town and Country.
A leaking brake caliper on a Chrysler Town and Country

One of our automotive technicians recently investigated why the brakes weren’t working on a Chrysler Town & Country. 

He realized that brake fluid was leaking from one of the rear brake calipers. We recommended replacing the caliper and the brake hose that was attached to it. A brake fluid exchange was suggested, as well.

The brake system consists of many components. Brake fluid may leak from the calipers, brake lines and brake hoses. Leaks could also occur at connections to the master cylinder and anti-lock braking system (ABS) pump.

A brake line leaking on a Chevrolet Impala.
A brake line leaking on a Chevrolet Impala

Invisible leaks are possible at the seal inside the master cylinder that leads to the brake booster. Fluid can get into the vacuum brake booster, which runs off engine vacuum. This causes it to travel through the engine and burn off.

Soft brake pedals aren’t just a result of leaks. They could also indicate that air is in the hydraulic brake system.

Rarely can you introduce air without trying to. It might occur if someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing replaces brakes and accidentally opens a bleeder. On occasion, oxygen may get into the system if enough moisture builds up and there’s a temperature change.

Another possibility is that the slide pins are frozen and preventing the bracket from moving back and forth.

Determining why brake pedal going to the floor

Our diagnostic process for a brake pedal going to the floor begins with making sure the bleeder screws break free.

Then, we flush the system and confirm air isn’t present. This process must be completed in a sequence.

If the brake pedal problem still hasn’t been resolved, our technicians check the slide pins.

A soft brake pedal may occur if the slide pins are stuck in the brake caliper and only the piston moves when you press the pedal.

Maintaining your brake system

You may not be able to avoid every brake problem, but there are things you can do to prevent a lot of future issues.

If a mechanic or auto repair shop you trust suggests brake repair – new brake lines or hoses, brake replacement, or getting a brake fluid exchange – make sure to follow up with the recommended services as soon as you can.

Having your vehicle looked over at oil changes is another good safety measure. 

When our technicians perform courtesy inspections and test drives, they look for various issues across the car. This includes rust buildup, broken or worn parts, leaks, car noises, and other concerns. 

Through these regular checkups, we are able to catch brake problems early on.

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.

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What happens when braking and common brake wear

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Stepping on the brake pedal is an action we often take without thinking about it. However, the braking process is made up of many steps.

What happens is determined by the type of brakes a vehicle uses – disc brakes or drum brakes.

Using the braking system

As we step on the brake pedal, a rod presses into the master cylinder. The result is pressurized brake fluid, which moves down the brake lines. 

On disc brakes, the fluid goes through the brake hoses and to the brake calipers, which are prompted to press the brake pads and rotors together. The friction that’s produced causes the car to stop.

Drum brakes, on the other hand, have brake hoses that link brake lines with a combination valve and wheel cylinders. The brake fluid encourages the wheel cylinder pistons to go out. This draws the brake shoes against the drum.

Common brake wear

Brake wear is bound to happen as your vehicle ages. Eventually, brake repair is needed or braking system components must be replaced. These parts include:

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) units
  • Brake calipers
  • Brake fluid
  • Brake hardware
  • Brake hoses
  • Brake lines
  • Brake pads and rotors
  • Wheel cylinders

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) units: The ABS makes sure that brakes don’t lock up during emergencies, allowing drivers to maintain control. Sometimes, hydraulic units can malfunction and keep a brake engaged.

Used brake caliper for Mini Cooper.
Used brake caliper

Brake calipers: Sometimes, new calipers are needed. Maybe they aren’t moving or are stuck in one position. That can either mean constant contact or no contact at all. You might also have to replace brake calipers if the bleeder won’t come free when servicing the brake fluid. The caliper slides could also get stuck inside the caliper. Broken boots on the piston and leaking from the pistons are common problems.

Dark brake fluid on a Land Rover.
Dark brake fluid

Brake fluid: Brake fluid prevents corrosion buildup on brake parts. Contaminants can eventually start collecting in the fluid, reducing its effectiveness. Brake fluid should regularly be replaced through brake fluid exchanges.

Brake hardware: Certain vehicles come with brake hardware, a metal part that can be found between the pad and caliper bracket. This spring tension component secures the brake pad so it doesn’t bang around. Brake hardware might break or get rusted. This may prevent the brake pad from sliding in the rail properly, and the pads could wear down prematurely.

Brake hoses: Brake hoses can leak and they can deteriorate from the inside out – due to corrosive brake fluid – which keeps the fluid from flowing into or out of the caliper.

Brake lines: These are hard lines that can leak or corrode.

Low brakes on Toyota Tacoma.
Low brakes

Brake pads and rotors: Brake pads and rotors are the components drivers normally think of when it comes to brake repair or brake replacement. When you step on the brake pedal, the front of a vehicle will nose dive, bringing most of the weight with it. Because front brakes handle much of the stopping capabilities, they tend to wear more quickly than rear brakes.

Wheel cylinders: Wheel cylinders on drum brakes can blow out and start leaking. This is the most common problem.

Many brake parts need to be serviced overtime. Taking care of this system and being watchful of any brake failure symptoms can help keep you safe during your travels. 

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Problems that can cause a hard brake pedal

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

We do a lot of braking in Northern Virginia, where there are many commuters and traffic is a daily expectation.

For this reason, it’s important to make sure the braking system is working correctly and any abnormal symptoms are addressed.

A hard brake pedal is one problem you should watch out for.

Hard brake pedal causes

There are several possible reasons why a brake pedal is hard to push.

Brake booster not working correctly

The brake booster may not be able to provide vacuum pressure. This can occur if there is a diaphragm tear or a broken check valve. You can confirm the brake booster is the problem by turning off the vehicle and stepping on the brake pedal multiple times. Continue to press it and restart the car. The brake pedal should go down if the brake booster is functioning the way it should. A brake pedal that remains firm is an indicator that the brake booster has gone bad.

Vacuum pump or power steering pump going bad

What’s causing a stiff brake pedal can differ among vehicles and the type of brake booster they have. Some cars use a hydraulic brake booster, where the power steering pump – rather than the engine vacuum – creates pressure. Certain brake boosters use the intake manifold while others have an electrical driven pump or a mechanical driven pump.

A bad electric pump, not having enough power steering fluid, and a missing serpentine belt can result in a hard brake pedal among vehicles with a hydraulic brake booster or vacuum pump.

A vacuum brake booster.
Vacuum brake booster

Vacuum hose becomes cracked

Is the brake pedal hard to push and hisses? The problem could have to do with the vacuum hose, which links the engine and brake booster. A vacuum is made due to air being drawn in. Cracks can form where the vacuum connects with other components.

Electronics associated with the electro hydraulic brake booster: With the brake systems having a lot of electronic controls – such as anti-lock brakes and traction control – that can be integrated with the master cylinder and the brake booster, especially if it’s an electro hydraulic brake booster. For example, Toyota 4Runners have an electro hydraulic brake booster, meaning that there’s an electric pump that will pump up the pressure to the accumulator. That allows you to have easy brake pressure when applying the brakes. But if there’s a problem with the solenoid or module, that could make it so the brake pedal feels hard. In this case, we need to go in and perform diagnostic testing to determine the problem.

An electro hydraulic brake booster.
Electro hydraulic brake booster

Caliper or caliper slides have seized: If the caliper or caliper slides have seized, the caliper isn’t able to move back and forth or the piston isn’t able to move out as you press the brake pedal. That can give you a harder brake pedal feel, but you would notice the car isn’t stopping as well as it used to. Rust and caliper seizing problems are more common among vehicles that are used in areas like Nag’s Head – where you might get a lot of salt air and salt water, and maybe some water coming up on the roads – and New England – where drivers see a lot of salt on the roads.

Note: This may seem silly, but make sure to take a look at the floor when trying to figure out why the brake pedal is hard to push. The floor mat could have become caught underneath the pedal. This used to be a more common problem years ago, but stranger things have happened.

It’s important to take care of your brake system, which can help extends its lifespan. This includes replacing brake pads and rotors and other components, such as brake hoses and brake lines, when needed. We also recommend regular brake fluid exchanges every 30,000 miles.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Brakes grinding? Why is that?

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Have you been hearing an unpleasant sound as you’re slowing down? It may be your brakes grinding.

A grinding noise while braking could mean that the brake pads have become worn and their plates and the brake rotors are rubbing together.

Grinding is one of several symptoms that your vehicle is in need of brake repair. A large amount of brake dust can be another indicator that the brakes are ready to be replaced.

Per state inspection guidelines, brake pads should be at least 2/32 of an inch. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, we may suggest changing them sooner.

Brake pads are one of the items our technicians check during courtesy inspections.

What does it mean if you notice a grinding noise when braking, but the pads are fine?

A symptom that can seem like brakes grinding at low speed could actually be the anti-lock braking system (ABS) engaging incorrectly. This can be due to an ABS wheel speed sensor or a problem with a hub bearing or wheel bearing causing the system to engage when it’s not supposed to.

What can cause brakes grinding noise other than normal pad and rotor wear?

If you notice a grinding sound, it may be that the pads and rotors are wearing unevenly or prematurely because of the wheel bearings. Whether they have the normal tapered bearing or a hub bearing setup, if the bearings are worn and are allowing the wheel to move back and forth it can create a different angle of pressure on the rotor and brake pads. That may lead them to wear out faster in one spot. You do want to get your vehicle checked out by a nearby auto repair shop to not only take care of the symptom but also the root cause.

Brakes grinding when stopping may be the result of rust building up on the rotors. This could just be from sitting for a while without driving the vehicle. If it’s not too bad, it will normally go away after the first two or three times you hit the brakes when driving down the road. The issue could also be caused by the type of metal the rotors are made out of and the way the pads are manufactured. It may result in irregular grooves and limited pad contact, which would allow rust to build up and noise to occur whenever you hit the brake pedal.

A brake rotor.

Why should you bring your car into a local repair shop when you hear a grinding noise?

Brakes could cause a grinding noise when there is a mechanical problem with the brake caliper, the hardware, or the caliper bracket. We have seen where sometimes the brake caliper hardware dislodges and gets caught on the rotor, producing a grinding sound. Bolts may be missing from the caliper bracket, causing the whole caliper assembly to move when pressing the brake. It could even be that the brake disc caliper has seized so it’s not sliding back and forth. The piston pushing the inboard pad is another possible issue. That can not only lead to rust build up on one side of the rotor, it can cause the inboard pad to wear down much faster. So if you look at the brakes through the wheel, the outboard pad will look fine but the inboard pad will be metal to metal. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your car checked at a local auto repair shop.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.