If you find you are sliding to a stop, or your brakes are making strange noises when you step on the pedal, it may be time for a brake replacement. There are several issues that could lead to a brake replacement, such as worn out pads or drums, a failing master cylinder, brake hose, or a bad caliper.
How can your auto mechanic tell if the caliper is bad? One of the first places to look to diagnose brake problems is the pad wear. If the brakes on one side of the vehicle are worn to the metal and the other side still has about 90% of its friction material left, you more than likely have a bad caliper. This is caused by issues such as:
- The calipers don’t always release, causing the brake pads to wear prematurely.
- The piston may freeze and the brakes won't apply (which decreases the wear as the brakes aren’t applied).
- The caliper slide pins may stick. Check these out first before totaling replacing the caliper. They may simply need the proper lubricant.
- If the caliper piston won’t compress with the bleeder valve open, the caliper more than likely needs to be replaced.
Noteworthy Tip: Make sure your brakes are fully operational so that you are driving--or stopping--as the case may be, as safe as possible. Have them inspected by a brake replacement specialist.
Need professional advice about brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about brake replacement. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
If you find you are sliding to a stop, or your brakes are making strange noises when you step on the pedal, it may be time for a brake replacement. There are several issues that could lead to a brake replacement, such as worn out pads or drums, a failing master cylinder, brake hose, or a bad caliper.
How can your auto mechanic tell if the caliper is bad? One of the first places to look to diagnose brake problems is the pad wear. If the brakes on one side of the vehicle are worn to the metal and the other side still has about 90% of its friction material left, you more than likely have a bad caliper. This is caused by issues such as:
- The calipers don’t always release, causing the brake pads to wear prematurely.
- The piston may freeze and the brakes won't apply (which decreases the wear as the brakes aren’t applied).
- The caliper slide pins may stick. Check these out first before totaling replacing the caliper. They may simply need the proper lubricant.
- If the caliper piston won’t compress with the bleeder valve open, the caliper more than likely needs to be replaced.
Noteworthy Tip: Make sure your brakes are fully operational so that you are driving--or stopping--as the case may be, as safe as possible. Have them inspected by a brake replacement specialist.
Need professional advice about brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about brake replacement. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
