Have a FREE brake
inspection, which is part of Pit Stop's Visual Inspection Report
(VIR). Any initial remedial brake related work to be undertaken
at normal price.
Sign up for the Pit
Stop Brake Replacement Program.
Bring your car back
to Pit Stop at the required interval (12 months) for your Brake
Maintenance Inspection, part of our VIR. All required work to
be undertaken at normal price.
If the front brake
pads need replacing, these will be supplied FREE of charge,
normal fitting and related brake maintenance work charges will
apply.
HAPPY AND SAFE MOTORING
Brake System Danger Signs:
When your vehicle's brakes screech or squeal.
When your brake pedal is low, hard, soft or spongy.
When your steering wheel shudders under braking.
When your vehicle loses grip under braking.
When your vehicle pulls to the left or right under braking.
When your vehicle takes longer to stop than normal.
Brakes represent one of the most important systems on a car. Downsizing of vehicles, aerodynamics and front-wheel drive have combined to make brakes smaller, more precise and less tolerant of inaccurate service.
It is essential that they are in proper working order at all times. If you can't stop quickly and efficiently, you and your family are seriously at risk of having an accident.
All cars have one of two types of braking systems or a combination of both.
Drum Brakes
Brake shoes, with linings attached, are situated inside brake drums. These drums revolve with the wheel. When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid in the braking system forces the brake shoes outward until the linings come into contact with the inside of the drum and force it to stop.
Disc Brakes
These operate on a similar principle, except that the brake consists of a stationary caliper, with a disc revolving with the wheel. When the pedal is pressed down, hydraulic pressure forces pads in the caliper to clamp on the disc, much like the operation of a bicycle brake. Most late model cars have disc brakes or a combination of front disc and rear drum brakes.
Brakes are sensitive to heat, water and moisture, and the pads and linings wear every time you put your foot on the brake pedal.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is hygroscopic ie it can absorb moisture from air depending on humidity. The amount absorbed indirectly affects brake fluid boiling point.
250°C at the beginning (when new)
200°C after 4 months (moisture 1%)
150°C after 10-12 months (moisture 3%)
When brake fluid starts absorbing moisture and the boiling point of the fluids begins to drop, braking efficiency deteriorates to a point where damage to rubber moving parts and low boiling points, cause sudden brake failure eg prolonged use of brakes when descending a hill or driving through a series of tight bends where constant brake application is required.
A complete brake repair involves more than just fitting brake pads or shoes on the car and bleeding the system. It also may require:
Inspecting and rebuilding or replacing calipers.
Resurfacing or replacing rotors or drums.
Inspecting and repacking or replacing wheel bearings.
Inspecting backing plates and all brake lines.
Replacing all hardware and spring kits on drum brakes where needed.
Inspecting and replacing wheel cylinders or master cylinders.
