Brake system problems are a serious matter. Maybe if Thelma and Louise checked their brake system, they could have stopped their car in time. Well, I'm sure they would have gone over that cliff anyway, but you get the point. Even if you're not a mechanic, you can still troubleshoot your system to see if it needs to be repaired.
What's Wrong With My Brakes?!
Let's take a look at some "symptoms" you might be experiencing and see what could be the problem and the solution:
* When I step on the brake pedal, it feels like it's going down too far, or they feel weak or spongy.
** Check your brake fluid. It may just need to be topped off or there could be contaminants in the fluid. Bleeding the brakes can solve this.
** Your brake pads may need replacing. They will usually squeak if this is the problem.
** The brake booster may need to be replaced.
** The master cylinder has gone awry. The only solution is to replace it.
* The brake pedal feels too firm when I step on it.
** This could also be the brake booster. It's a mean little device if not taken care of.
** Damaged brake lines could be preventing the fluid from reaching the system. Time to check and replace.
* My brakes don't seem smooth or they pull the car to one side.
** Again, it could be time to simply replace your brake pads.
** The brake discs may need replacing. However, replace both discs. It takes two to tango.
* The pedal vibrates when I step on it. (If you slam on the brakes, the vibration is normal.)
** If it's not the brake pads or discs, the car could need alignment.
** It might be time to replace the brake rotors.
** The front suspension could be worn. Unfortunately it could be a number of parts such as the ball joints, worn tie rod ends, or a bad front strut.
* I step off the pedal, but the brakes don't seem to let up. They feel like they're dragging.
** It's most likely a bad wheel cylinder which can be replaced.
* What is that darn clunking sound I hear?
** Some nuts and bolts could be loose. Time to get out the wrench.
** Some of the suspension components that I mentioned above could be worn.
* My brake fluid is unusually low.
** Time to find the leak. It could be the calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses and lines, or the master cylinder. Find the leak and replace the part.
