Different Components in a Brake System

Different Components in a Brake System

The brake system is the most important system in a vehicle. It helps bring a vehicle to a stop and prevent a collision. Call your local Mobile Mechanic in Stafford, TX to help inspect your brake system and replace required parts as needed. In a brake system, it consists of all disk brakes or drum brakes which is usually the rear. In a disc brake system, it consists of disc brakes, rotors, calipers (single and dual piston), brake hardware and caliper guide pin. When servicing a disk brake system, it is important to check the condition of the brake system. Automakers provide specifications when to replace certain components of the brake system.

Brake pads should last longer than 40,000-60,000 miles if driving mostly highways and can last as short as 10,000 miles if driving local streets. Driving habits can determine how long disc brakes can last. For example: if you have a food delivery job, you will mostly likely use your brake very often. In that case, a Mobile Mechanic in Richmond, TX should come to your place whether it’s at your home or office and inspect your brakes at least once a year for safety reasons. Brake pads usually have a mechanical sensor on the brake pads and when the brake pads run low, it rubs against the rotor and a squealing noise can be heard indicating it is time to replace the brake pads. Call your local mobile mechanic in Missouri City, TX immediately do not wait as waiting can lead to brake failure and scoring the rotors.

When replacing the brake pads, certain components should be replaced for example: the brake hardware, brake pads and rotors should be resurfaced. The rotor cannot be resurfaced more than 2-3 times otherwise; it will become thin and will longer be in specification. The brake fluid should be flushed at least every 2 years and brake sliding pins should be lubricated with recommended good quality brake lube. The brake caliper piston should also be inspected for potential leaks, and if it is leaking the caliper should be replaced. In that case, when the caliper is replaced; new brake fluid should be used and the system should be bled for air. Sometime during a brake pad replacement, the caliper may be seized and the piston may not go back in. Again, the caliper should be replaced for safety reason.

In a drum brake system, the brake springs, wheel cylinder, drum shoes, parking brake strut, hold-down pin, parking brake lever, adjusting screw assembly and automatic adjuster level and pivot should be inspected. It is recommended to not to reuse the springs and retainer, as overtime the spring can lose its ability to hold the drum shoe in place.  A certified ASE mobile mechanic in Spring, TX should be able to determine what needs to be replaced. For example, you can ask the mobile mechanic to inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks, the spring for tension, parking brake lever and so on. The drum should be resurfaced when the drum is scored, out-of-found, or worn unevenly or replaced if it is no longer in specification.

After the drum brakes have been replaced, the adjusting screw assembly should be adjusted so the drum shoes can properly be press against the drums. Also a quick test will help determined whether it has been properly adjusted. With the vehicle on the floor, lift the hand brakes or press the foot brake if it has one. The vehicle should not move at all when you trying to push it in neutral and if it does move, have your mobile mechanic readjust the drum brakes. The vehicle should be test drive to make sure the brake system is working properly. Remember to contact your mobile mechanic and set an appointment.

Leave a Reply