What’s That Braking Noise?

Brake Repair in Vancouver, BC 

Brake Repair Shouldn’t Wait 

Your automobile’s brakes stand between you and disaster, so brake repair shouldn’t wait. Don’t risk an accident if you’re hearing noises when you brake. Bring your transportation to S & M Auto Service in Vancouver, BC, for brake repair. In business since 1978, we have years of experience caring for area motorists. We use state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality replacement parts that allow us to stand behind our work with a warranty. Ask a service technician for details about our 24-month/24,000-mile and 36-month/36,000-mile warranties.  

How Brakes Work  

A vehicle’s braking system allows the driver to stop a heavy car with minimal pressure on the brake pedal. Most modern automobiles have disc brakes. An A-level piston forces brake fluid through brake hoses/lines from the master cylinder. It travels to the smaller cylinders at each wheel, moving the brake caliper. The caliper holds and moves the brake pad. When the pad contacts the rotor/disc, the friction between the two stops your car. If your automobile is a classic with drum brakes or your newer model features disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the back to lessen manufacturing costs, the drum brakes work similarly, except that a brake shoe makes contact with the drum, turning inside each wheel.  

Those Noises You’re Hearing  

If you’re hearing noises when you brake, an underlying cause must be addressed. The most common concern is squealing. That usually indicates the need for brake pad replacement. Most pads are metallic. They last a long time but eventually wear thin, requiring new ones. Manufacturers embed tabs as they make the pads. As the metal wears toward/below the minimum safe thickness, the tabs become exposed, creating a screech that alerts you that it’s time for service. If the pads aren’t changed promptly, you’ll eventually hear grinding during braking. That’s the sound of damage because the area where the pad has worn away is now cutting into the rotor. Similarly, a scraping sound can point to problems between the pads and rotors or indicate a stuck caliper. If a braking system component is broken or loose, it can cause a clicking or thumping noise. As you slow your car, the sound of vibration often exposes a warped rotor. No matter the noise you’re hearing, we can help. Don’t keep wondering about that sound or delay brake repair. Instead, come to S & M Auto Service for assistance.