We want our Woodstock customers to feel comfortable with their break repairs. You can leave repairs and maintenance to our professional brake repair technicians, but please ask us any questions you may have about recommended services or brake issues that have occurred. Call us at (770) 591-6640, and we will gladly discuss them.
Common Brake Problems
Here is some information on common brake repair problems and the brake repair services My Mechanic Joe offers to correct them and keep your vehicle safe:
Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Squealing brakes often indicate worn brake pads or shoes. This high-pitched noise is caused by the friction material on pads and shoes, which acts as an audible wear indicator. If brake pad material deteriorates completely, you may hear a loud grinding metal sound indicating pad backing plates are now pressing against brake rotors or drums, which can damage rotors and drums. While some with automotive knowledge can do this brake repair at home, a professional brake technician should address any issue with brakes or brake components immediately.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Repairs
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) prevent wheels from entirely stopping or locking up during hard or emergency braking. This anti-lock brake system allows the driver to maintain greater vehicle control and steering ability, preventing dangerous skids. If the ABS warning light activates in your vehicle dashboard, visit our brake repair shop to have the ABS thoroughly diagnosed and repaired.
Brake Hose Replacement
Brake hoses carry pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes at each wheel. Crushed, cracked, or leaking brake hoses can cause delayed or slow braking and complete brake failure. While brake hoses rarely need replacement unless cracked or directly damaged, any signs of wear, cracking, bulging, or moisture require immediate professional brake system attention to prevent more significant problems.
## Brake Fluid Flushes
Over time, through normal use, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air that enters the reservoir. Excess moisture causes brake fluid to boil faster under hard braking, reducing its effectiveness and leading to damaged brake components. Regular brake fluid flushes performed by a certified brake technician remove old contaminated fluid and moisture, preventing damage and keeping your brakes operating safely.
## Brake Caliper Replacement
Brake calipers are a critical component that presses the brake pads against the rotor when braking. Sticking, frozen, or damaged calipers may cause uneven braking, brake sliding, pulling, or seizing. Brake caliper issues will make the vehicle harder to control and stop, especially in bad weather when braking traction is reduced. Contact our brake repair professionals as soon as possible about any potential brake caliper problems so they can be inspected and repaired.
## Brake Rotor Resurfacing
In disc brake systems, brake rotors (or discs) attach to the wheel hubs and provide a smooth surface for the brake pads to press against, creating friction to slow and stop your vehicle safely. Over countless miles of use, rotor surfaces develop wear grooves, heat cracks, thickness variations, and warped rotors due to heat stress. Resurfacing rotors through precision machining restores these critical braking components to like-new condition, reducing brake pulsation issues and restoring optimal braking performance. We thoroughly inspect rotors at our shop and make sound recommendations about resurfacing versus replacement.
## Brake Repair FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions we receive about brake repairs:
**How often should my brake fluid be flushed?**
To maintain the hydraulic system safely, we recommend flushing your brake fluid once every 2 years or 24,000 miles in most vehicles. More frequent intervals may be required for heavy-use vehicles.
**What causes my brakes to squeak?**
The most common cause of squeaky brake noise is worn-out brake pads that need to be replaced. Squeaks may also be caused by improper pad break-in or inferior replacement parts.
**Why does my brake pedal pulsate or vibrate?**
This is typically caused by “warped rotors” and brake pulsation issues. Resurfacing or replacing rotors will usually remedy the issue and restore normal braking.
**Do I need to replace brake rotors when getting new pads?**
You don’t necessarily have to replace them every time. Our technicians inspect rotor condition and thickness measurements to determine if they can be resurfaced or need replacement to ensure proper fit and service life for new pads.
Trust the brake repair professionals at My Mechanic Joe for all your vehicle brake inspection, maintenance, and repair needs. We have the experience, factory training, and state-of-the-art equipment to keep you stopping safely. Call [number] or visit our shop today to schedule service. Our technicians are standing by to help!
