Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are sophisticated safety features designed to prevent the wheels of a vehicle from locking up during braking. The science behind ABS involves several key components and principles: Wheel Speed Sensors ABS relies on wheel speed sensors that are typically mounted at each wheel. These sensors detect the rotational speed of each wheel. Electronic Control Unit (ECU) The wheel speed sensor data is sent to the ECU, which is the brain of the ABS system. The ECU processes this information and determines if any wheel is on the verge of locking up. Hydraulic Control Unit ..read more

Anyone who’s ever worked as a car mechanic has seen what happens when people forget to replace the brake pads and brake hardware at the intended time. Sometimes the pad is worn so badly that the metal plate has slipped off the caliper, causing it to overextend and lock the wheels. Sometimes the piston shatters in the caliper. Sometimes, the pad is completely worn and there’s nothing against the rotor except the piston, caliper, and a terrible grinding noise. Fortunately, there are ways to make brakes last longer. From a safety perspective, when working properly and maintained, brake pads and h ..read more

Does a rotor need to be machined? No. What causes a rotor to crack? Brake Rotors do not crack from hitting a pothole or curb; they break due to the stress of heat and cycling from hot to cold. Also, mechanical stresses from stopping the vehicle can play a part. Every time the brakes are applied, the rotor heats and expands. After the calipers release, the rotor cools and contracts. This can create fatigue in a rotor that can cause cracking and structural failures. A replacement rotor that has been engineered and manufactured has built-in features to manage the heat cycles’ stress. It first st ..read more

Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a situation that causes you to experience one of these symptoms you should seek a professional mechanic to inspect your vehicle’s brake system. An experienced technician will address the specific brake symptom that is causing the concerning sensation from your vehicle’s brake system. BRAKE NOISE There are various types of brake noise and many different conditions that can cause noise. Frictional coefficient between brake pads and rotors varies depending on pad material, temperatur ..read more

The brake caliper is a component in the brake assembly where the pads and pistons are housed. If you have a stuck or hanging brake caliper, the brake pad won’t disengage from the brake rotor surface. This situation leaves you feeling like you are driving with the brakes slightly applied at all times because they are. Driving your car with a stuck brake caliper creates additional stress on your car’s other components and systems among other problems. Thankfully, knowing how to deal with this stuck caliper and other brake concerns, helps you tackle the situation with confidence. How Does a Hangi ..read more

It’s vital that you have regular brake maintenance performed to remain safe on the road. Once you understand the process and what needs to be accomplished, you’ll know when to take your car in for brake service. Each component of your brake system needs attention. There are five to think about: the master cylinder, lines, calipers, rotors, and pads. To fully maintain your brake system, you’ll need to understand what each of these does. Master Cylinder & Brake Lines A vehicle’s brakes run hydraulically. Fluid transfers the power from your foot pedal and sends it to the brakes themselves. Yo ..read more