Questions relating to any part of the vehicle braking system
28
votes
15answers
66k views
Should I resurface or replace my rotors everytime I replace brake pads?
I have heard it is proper practice to replace or resurface your brake rotors every time your do a brake pad replacement. Does this need to be done every single time or is it overkill? Maybe it is ...
14
votes
5answers
37k views
what is the difference between DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids?
What is the difference between DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids?
What could possibly go wrong if I use a (4 times cheaper) DOT3 brake fluid instead of the DOT4 which manufacturer recommends (but allows ...
12
votes
4answers
935 views
Is downshifting on hills harmful for non-trucks? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
Since the days of taking drivers ed (many years back). I was told that when you encounter a steep or ...
12
votes
3answers
507 views
What is the proper way to bleed brakes and replace the fluid?
What is the proper way to replace the brake fluid in a car? What tools are required? I want to make sure I do not get any air or bubbles in the system as this is something that needs to be done right ...
11
votes
5answers
1k views
My Car Squeals When Braking Even Though I've Had My Front Rotors Machined and Back Rotors Replaced and all new brake pads. What could it be?
I own a Toyota Soarer SC300 (1994), 2JZ motor non-turbo 3 litre engine. The engine is probably irrelevant, but provided for prosperity. Anyway, the front rotors were machined and are within the legal ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What can cause warped rotors?
I have a forward rotor on my '04 Chrysler Sebring causing a lot of pulsation when braking. I replaced the rotor- but within about a month the problem had re-appeared.
The guys at Monroe noticed my ...
7
votes
1answer
6k views
Brakes make grinding noise during stops at low speeds
I've got a Mazda B2300 pickup that's started making a grinding sound whenever I come to a stop. Braking at a high speed doesn't make any noise, but once I get under 25-30 MPH, the grinding sound gets ...
6
votes
2answers
471 views
I forgot to release the hand brake while I'm driving at around 4 to 5 km. what will happen to my rear brakes?
I forgot to release the hand brake while I'm driving at around 4 to 5km. What will happen to my rear brakes?
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Brakes Smell Bad and Smoke
Here's the situation:
Initially
Changed a wheel/tire, and snapped a hub stud. Had to take off the brake caliper on that hub (driver's side). No problem with that, but then all of a sudden my front ...
6
votes
1answer
794 views
Fix / Replace ABS module
I have an Audi A6, 2000. My ABS light is on, and the brake light blinks. I was told that the ABS module needed to be replaced at the cost of $850 minimum.
Is there a way to get these things fixed ...
6
votes
1answer
71 views
What are the brake specs on a 2008 VW GTI?
I have a fairly new to me 2008 VW GTI (US model, aka "Golf GTI" in other parts of the planet) and am trying to figure out the specs for the brakes. Specifically, I'm trying to determine the exact size ...
4
votes
2answers
128 views
Can I put the tires in the opposite direction on the rear-end on my front wheel drive configuration?
When using a front wheel drive car, the rear end is only used for braking. Is it a good idea (and if not, why) to "reverse" the tires so the tire threads are useful when braking?
I know it might ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Squeaky Brakes: How much of a concern are they?
I recently bought a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a dealership. When we bought it, I noticed that the brakes were not working very well, and the dealer fixed them before we finalized, putting in a ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
What should I look at when my brakes are soft?
I replaced my brake pads this weekend and now my brakes seems like they are much softer than before. I can easily put the brake to the floor. The vehicle is a '98 Chevy Malibu. I have seen some ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Clicking Noise When Braking
So I leased a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, brand new (only 2 miles on it), last November, 2010. It was running perfectly fine for a while. Brought it in for the standard tire rotation/oil change a few months ...
4
votes
2answers
920 views
Random grinding sound when applying brakes
I've been noticing a troubling trend with my car as of late. Randomly, it will decide to make this blood curdling screech when I apply the brakes, and occasionally the noise will continue as I ...
4
votes
2answers
363 views
Will brake dust corrode my wheels?
I've had my car for 1 month and 2,000 miles now and my wheels, which were once very shiny chrome, now look like I painted them gray because the brake dust is so bad.
First of all, is brake dust ...
4
votes
2answers
212 views
Is it possible to lock wheels when ABS is working?
I have a Nissan Primera P12, which got ABS.
When I normally brake, wheels don't lock and car comes to a stop as expected with any ABS system.
Although if I'm travelling a bit fast and hit the brake ...
4
votes
2answers
269 views
Why rear disk brakes do not wear the pads even?
While changing the pads for my rear breaks (disk), I saw that while the external pads were all gone, the internal ones were at 1/3 to 1/2 only.
Is this normal? Should I address this? What is the ...
4
votes
1answer
120 views
Brakes gripping and causing skidding
I'm experiencing a problem with the brakes on my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I replaced almost every component of them over the course of the 2 years. Most of the replacements occurred in April 2012, ...
4
votes
2answers
809 views
Why does my engine perform poorly and get bad gas mileage after using fuel injector cleaner?
At the advice of someone at a local auto parts shop, I poured a bottle of fuel injector cleaner into my gas tank. This happened around the same time that I had a brake job done and rotated my tires.
...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Replace front brake pads and rotors?
I went to my Honda dealership for a B-1 service, and he came back saying that I needed to replace both my front brake pads and rotors. The quote for that is $531. I am wondering if I should go ahead ...
4
votes
3answers
385 views
1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Disc Brake Conversion
I just bought a '72 FJ40 and realized that three out the four (drum) brake cylinder's are seized and one of the grease seals is leaking bad.
Since I have to replace the brake cylinder's, I am ...
4
votes
1answer
136 views
Replace stop light switch cushion - 2003 Toyota Camry Altise
So my brake lights are always on and it is the stop light cushion. I have purchased a new one from the dealer and now need to replace.
I have tried pointy nose pliers and they are just not working. I ...
4
votes
2answers
245 views
Why is the brake pedal higher than the accelerator pedal
All cars I've encountered (here in the UK) have the brake pedal higher than the accelerator pedal.
Is this a standard, world wide?
I would have thought that for safety (getting to it quicker) you'd ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Rear Brakes on 2003 Chevy Tracker
Went to replace the rear brake shoes and drums on a 2003 chevy tracker and when I pulled off the drum the adjuster, adjuster spring and pawl lever were not hooked up, they were just laying in there. ...
4
votes
1answer
358 views
Ford Escape - Loud Brake Sounds in Reverse
2001 Ford Escape.
I've recently had some work with the transmission done, but in the past 2 weeks or so, whenever I brake while in reverse, it makes a loud grinding sound. However, I've looked ...
3
votes
2answers
140 views
Do I really need a lathe to turn my rotors?
Last time I changed my brake pads (Toyota Tacoma v6 4WD), I did not get my rotors turned and was told I should have taken them to a mechanic to get it done. I was wondering if there is any ...
3
votes
2answers
110 views
What could cause a metal-on-metal noise when braking only while backing?
I have a 1998 Acura Integra with 204k miles on it. Some mornings after the car has been parked in my driveway facing up a slight slope overnight with the handbrake set, the first time I apply the ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Clunk noise from my brakes on first application
I have had the brake pads replaced on my Forester STi (4 pot Brembos all round) and have noticed a strange noise on first application of the brakes after moving either forwards or backwards.
By this ...
3
votes
2answers
313 views
C-clamp stuck in brake caliper
I'm a first timer replacing (front) brake pads in my Nissan Pulsar 1.8 (hatch).
I had problems removing the caliper bolts on both sides - after successfully removing them, I removed the old pads and ...
3
votes
1answer
74 views
Why would my electrical systems cut out when I brake?
So I told this little story to the dealership service department, and they were baffled. Never heard of anything like it in ten years, said they'd have to examine it very closely.
Here's what ...
3
votes
2answers
118 views
Can chafing brake pads damage rotors?
Since replacing all of the brake pads and passenger front rotor on my 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible, the pads have been chafing and making a non-stop chirping sound while driving. There is a ...
3
votes
2answers
817 views
2005 Scion tC - Handbrake indicator light intermittently turns on
The handbrake indicator light on my 2005 Scion tC intermittently turns on while I'm driving.
I've read about two causes: low brake fluid and (not likely) the handbrake is somehow getting lifted while ...
3
votes
2answers
615 views
Honda Accord bubbling / gurgling sound when braking first few times
I have a 2009 Honda Accord. All 4 brakes were recently serviced so I don't think this is related to pads or rotors needing attention. When I first start driving, when I hit the brakes, there is a ...
3
votes
2answers
98 views
2005 Infiniti G35x - squeaky brakes only when backing up slowly
Don't squeak when braking forwards, or braking hard/fast backing up. Only when backing up and lightly pressing on them. Extended squeal, and very loud.
Anything I can do?
3
votes
1answer
597 views
Rear Drum brake scraping and brake pulsating
I recently had a lug nut stud replaced on one of my rear tires. I believe they had to take apart the drum brake to remove the old stud and install the new one.
That same day I heard a scraping which ...
3
votes
2answers
693 views
Reading ABS diagnostic codes on a Volvo 940
I want to read any fault codes stored in my 1992 Volvo 940's ABS module. I've tried the procedure described in the popular 700/900 series FAQ without success. That procedure involves plugging the ...
2
votes
5answers
600 views
How to solve unexpected skidding in 1995 Toyota Camry
My 1995 Camry LE (4 cyl) skidded twice. Luckily I escaped both occasions unhurt and without damage to the car. First time it happened on a freeway when I applied brakes @ 50mph. I thought it was ...
2
votes
1answer
517 views
Pressing brake pedal during vehicle operation feels “choppy” ?
I am driving a 2004 Chevy Impala. When coming to a stop, I press the brake pedal, and I can feel the choppy vibration on the pedal. It's same regardless of weather. Should I get this checked out?
2
votes
4answers
148 views
Is there a trick for doing bleeding the lines by yourself?
Usually I am stuck doing this sort of stuff by myself and I don't trust my kids (4 and 7) yet to help me with this. Any tricks to doing this or is this really a 2-man job?
2
votes
2answers
272 views
Bleeding Brakes with Car on or off?
There's a pump that runs when the car is on to pressurize the hydraulics, right?
When bleeding the brakes, should the car be on or off so this pump is on or off?
I'm specifically talking about a ...
2
votes
2answers
86 views
Simple Question: Do I need to bleed brakes if I removed the blake fluid cap?
This is probably a very simple question, but I was just poking around the engine bay and checking the fluid levels of the various reservoirs. I then opened the brake fluid one and I remember reading ...
2
votes
2answers
795 views
Disc brake damage, how can it happen?
I bought a brand new 207 '12 and its done its 1000mile checkup.
During this i told them there was a horrible grinding noise comming from when i was breaking, even a metal on metal screech sometimes??
...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
Clunking sound at back of car when applying brakes
Since having my tires changed, I've been hearing a clunking sound from waht sounds like the back driver side of my car when I apply the brakes if they're applied jsut enoug to start slowing down the ...
2
votes
2answers
45 views
Front, driver-side wheel sounds like it's skidding when braking
I have a Nissan Micra (UK, 51-plate, 2001 model) and I've today noticed a sound a bit like skidding when I apply the brakes, gently, around 30mph. Driving and steering as usual is fine, no unusual ...
2
votes
2answers
274 views
Squeaking brakes on motorcycle - an issue or not?
The front disc on my motorcycle emits a low pitch squeaking noise when I'm pulling up to a complete stop (almost like the sound train brakes make when pulling up to a station). This only happens when ...
2
votes
1answer
60 views
Draining master cylinder (2005 Malibu)
What's the best way to drain the master cylinder on this car?
2
votes
4answers
2k views
How far should you put your handbrake up?
My feeling is to just pull it up as far as it goes, but I've heard this is bad for the brakes and the car and so it would be better to pull it up with the button pressed till you feel slight ...
2
votes
1answer
49 views
Brake lights on '94 Honda Prelude stuck on
All 3 brake lights on my Prelude seem to be permanently stuck on. This occurs all of the time - the lights stay on even if there is no key in the ignition. I've had to disconnect the battery.
Would ...
