What does a brake service include?
A brake service is a routine maintenance procedure that helps ensure your vehicle's braking system is functioning properly and safely. It typically involves inspecting, cleaning, and replacing various brake components as needed to keep your brakes in top condition.
Brake Service Components
A comprehensive brake service usually includes the following steps:
- Brake Pad Inspection and Replacement: The brake pads are checked for wear, and if they have reached the minimum thickness, they are replaced with new ones. This ensures consistent and reliable braking performance.
- Brake Rotor Inspection and Resurfacing: The brake rotors, which the brake pads press against to slow the vehicle, are inspected for wear and uneven surfaces. If necessary, the rotors are resurfaced or replaced to restore their optimal condition.
- Brake Caliper Inspection and Adjustment: The brake calipers, which hold the brake pads, are checked for proper operation and adjusted if needed to ensure even pad wear and consistent braking.
- Brake Fluid Flush and Replacement: The brake fluid, which transmits the force from the brake pedal to the brake components, is flushed and replaced to maintain its effectiveness and prevent corrosion in the system.
- Brake System Inspection: The entire brake system, including the hoses, lines, and hardware, is inspected for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks, and repaired or replaced as necessary.
By performing a comprehensive brake service, you can help ensure your vehicle's brakes are in optimal condition, providing reliable and safe stopping power when you need it most.
Importance of Regular Brake Service
Regularly scheduled brake service is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. Worn or damaged brake components can lead to decreased braking efficiency, increased stopping distances, and even complete brake failure, which can be extremely dangerous. By staying on top of your vehicle's brake maintenance, you can help prevent these issues and ensure your brakes are always ready to respond when you need them.
Additionally, regular brake service can help extend the lifespan of your vehicle's braking system, saving you money in the long run by avoiding more costly repairs or replacements down the line.
What is involved in brake servicing?
Brake Lines and Hoses: Inspected for leaks, cracks, and wear. Calipers: Checked for proper operation and signs of wear or damage. Brake Hardware: Springs, pins, and other hardware are inspected and replaced if worn out. Parking Brake: Adjusted to ensure it holds the vehicle securely.
Is a brake service worth it?
Brake maintenance and servicing are just as essential as oil changes and tire swaps. Ensuring that your brakes are adequately serviced can be the difference between a life-or-death situation and play a significant role in road safety.
How many hours does a full brake job take?
between four and six hours
A complete brake job has an estimated labor time of anywhere between four and six hours, depending on several factors. It involves a thorough inspection of the entire braking system and its parts. Mechanics usually check for leaks, corroded brake lines, seized pistons, and other worn-out brake hardware.
What is included in a full brake service?
WHAT COMPLETE BRAKE SERVICE SHOULD INCLUDE:
- ABS Sensor. If the ABS sensor is lit, a diagnostic will be run to check the anti-lock system.
- Brake Fluid Level.
- Brake Pad Replacement.
- Brake Rotors or Discs.
- Brake Sensor.
- Lines and Master Cylinder.
What is considered a service brake?
: an automobile brake usually foot-operated that is used in ordinary driving compare emergency brake.
What would be checked on a brake servicing procedure?
Checklist: Brake System Inspection
- Test drive the car.
- Inspect the tires.
- Check the vehicle's suspension system.
- Look for leaking, cracked or damaged hoses.
- If needed, replace any leaking or damaged steel lines.
- Replace any leaking or damaged calipers.
- Check brake master cylinder for leaks.
- Test the brake pedal.
Do I really need brake service?
Many people assume a brake service, brake replacement, really, is only necessary when the brake pads or brake shoes have worn to one or two millimeters, but that's only half the story. It might take two years for brakes to wear out, while the rest of the system rusts away or seizes permanently.
How to tell if rotors are bad?
Some common symptoms of bad rotors include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor.
Does a full brake job include rotors?
A complete brake service involves replacing both the pads and rotors.
How much should a full brake job cost?
Each aftermarket rotor costs an average of $30 to $75. Labor to service brakes can run from $90 to $200 per hour. Brake service generally runs approximately $200 to $500 per axle at a professional center. Calipers are typically the most difficult and expensive aspect of the braking system to service.
