BRAKE REPAIR (Centurion)

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SERVICE OVERVIEW

As you embark on your vehicular journey, it is crucial to remain ever-vigilant in your quest for safe travels. One crucial component that demands your attention is the brake system, for which any malfunction may result in dire consequences. To ensure your brake system operates at optimal levels, it is essential to remain watchful for any tell-tale signs that your brake system may be in need of repair.

As you traverse the highways and byways of life, take heed of any unusual noises or vibrations emanating from your brake system. These may indicate the need for a brake pad or brake shoe replacement. If left unchecked, the wear and tear on these components can lead to potential damage to the brake discs and brake drums. And let us not forget that a worn-out brake system can also put undue stress on other vehicle components, leading to further costly repairs.

When replacing your brake shoes or brake pads, be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific guidance and to ensure compatibility with your particular make and model. It is highly recommended that you enlist the aid of a professional mechanic to conduct the replacement, as their expertise can ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.

Our professionals know how to handle a wide range of car services. Whether you drive a passenger car or medium sized truck or SUV, our mechanics strive to ensure that your vehicle will be performing at its best.

BRAKE REPAIRS

The brake system is a crucial component of any vehicle, and it is essential to understand the different parts that make it up. Here are the various parts of a brake on a car:

Brake Pedal: This is the pedal located in the driver’s footwell that, when pressed, activates the brake system.
Brake Booster: The brake booster is a mechanism that multiplies the force applied to the brake pedal, making it easier to stop the car.
Brake Master Cylinder: The master cylinder converts the force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is transmitted to the brake calipers.
Brake Lines: Brake lines are high-pressure tubes that transmit the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the brake calipers.
Brake Calipers: The brake calipers are mounted over the brake rotors and contain the brake pads. When the hydraulic pressure is applied to the caliper, the pads clamp down on the rotor, causing the car to slow down or stop.
Brake Pads: Brake pads are made of friction material and are positioned inside the brake calipers. They make contact with the brake rotors to slow down or stop the car.
Brake Shoes: Brake shoes are used in drum brake systems, which are less common in modern vehicles but can still be found on the rear wheels of some cars. Brake shoes consist of a metal shoe with friction material on the outer surface that presses against the inside of a brake drum. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake shoes expand and press against the inside of the drum, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop.
Brake Rotors: Brake rotors are flat metal discs mounted on the wheels. When the brake pads clamp down on the rotor, it slows down or stops the car.
Brake Discs: also known as brake rotors, are used in disc brake systems, which are more common in modern vehicles. The brake disc is a metal disc that is mounted on the wheel hub and spins along with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake caliper clamps down on the brake disc, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop.
Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is used to transmit the force applied to the brake pedal to the brake calipers. It is stored in the brake master cylinder.

CHANGING BRAKES?

Step 1: Preparation

Before beginning any maintenance work on your car, it is essential to make sure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will need a lug wrench, a jack, jack stands, a brake caliper tool, a C-clamp, and new brake pads and rotors. Once you have all the equipment, ensure that your car is on level ground, and the parking brake is engaged.

Step 2: Removing old brakes

To begin, remove the tyre of the wheel that you want to work on first. Then, locate the brake caliper and remove the bolts that hold it in place. Gently remove the caliper and set it aside. Be careful not to damage the brake line.

Once you have removed the caliper, you will have access to the old brake pads and rotors. Use a brake caliper tool to retract the caliper piston and remove the old brake pads. Then, remove the brake rotor.

Step 3: Installing new brakes

Before installing the new brake pads and rotors, ensure that the brake caliper piston is fully retracted. Place the new rotor on the wheel hub and secure it in place with the retaining screws.

Install the new brake pads in the caliper, making sure that they are correctly positioned. Use a C-clamp to compress the brake caliper piston to allow the new brake pads to fit into place. Once the brake pads are installed, replace the caliper and tighten the bolts.

Step 4: Reassembling the wheel

After completing the brake pad and rotor replacement on one wheel, reattach the tire and tighten the lug nuts. Repeat the process on the remaining wheels until all the brake pads and rotors have been replaced.

ABS BRAKES?

ABS brakes more difficult?

Are ABS brakes more difficult to work on than regular non-ABS brakes?

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are more complex than traditional non-ABS brake systems, which can make them more difficult to work on. However, with the right tools and knowledge, working on ABS brakes can still be done by skilled mechanics.

ABS brakes use sensors and a control module to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, which can improve the vehicle’s stability and stopping distance. The ABS system works by monitoring the speed of each wheel and adjusting the brake pressure to prevent the wheels from locking up.

To work on an ABS brake system, a mechanic will need to have specialized knowledge and tools. For example, they may need to use a scan tool to diagnose any issues with the ABS system and perform specific tests to ensure that the system is working correctly.

In addition, ABS systems have specific components that are not found in traditional brake systems, such as the ABS pump, which is responsible for maintaining the correct brake pressure during ABS operation. These components require specialized knowledge and training to repair or replace properly.

Can I change ABS brakes?

Can the person off the street change ABS Brakes if they do not have the correct tools?

It is not recommended for an untrained person off the street to attempt to change ABS brakes, especially if they do not have the correct tools. Working on any brake system can be dangerous, and the complex nature of ABS brake systems means that it is even more critical to have the appropriate knowledge and tools.

Changing the brake pads or brake rotors on an ABS brake system requires specific tools and knowledge, and a mistake made during the repair process can result in a significant safety risk for the driver and passengers.

Moreover, working on ABS brake systems often involves interacting with electronic components, such as sensors and control modules. These components require specialized knowledge and training to handle safely, and attempting to work on them without the necessary experience and training can result in damage to the vehicle or injury to the person attempting the repair.

Do I need wheel alignment?

Do you have to do wheel alignment after changing the brakes?

It is not always necessary to do a wheel alignment after changing the brakes, but it is generally recommended as a best practice to ensure optimal vehicle handling and tire wear.

When replacing brake components such as brake pads or brake discs, the process typically involves removing the wheels and, in some cases, the brake calipers. While performing this work, there is a possibility that the wheel alignment may be slightly disturbed, even if care is taken to avoid this.

A wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This alignment affects how the vehicle handles and how the tyres wear over time. If the alignment is off, it can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, or the tyres to wear unevenly, which can lead to premature tyre replacement.

It is generally recommended to perform a wheel alignment after changing the brakes, especially if there were signs of uneven tyre wear or handling issues before the brake replacement. This will ensure that the vehicle’s handling and tyre wear are optimal, which is crucial for the safety and longevity of the vehicle.

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