Brakes Repair & Maintenance

ABS: Antilock

• I feel a pulsation or vibration in my brake pedal every time I stop. But the brakes seem to work fine. Is anything wrong?
• I've heard that using a temporary spare will disable my ABS system. Is that true?
• When I replace the tires on my vehicle, do I have to use the same size as the originals?

Brake system basics

• How do I know when my car really needs a brake job?
• What parts are generally replaced during a brake job, and why?

Brake fluid (see also brake system basics)

• My brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when I hold my foot on it. Why?
• The brake pedal is low when I step on it but comes up when I pump. Do I need new brakes?

Brake rotors and pads

• My brakes are squealing. Does that mean I need a brake job?
• I feel a pulsation or vibration in my brake pedal every time I stop. Why?
• How do I know when my car really needs a brake job?
• What parts are generally replaced during a brake job, and why?
• Is it always necessary to resurface the rotors/drums when brakes relined or to rebuild or replace the disc brake calipers and drum brake wheel cylinder?
• How can I tell if a rotor/drum needs to be replaced?

Disc brakes

• My brakes are squealing. Does that mean I need a brake job?
• How do I know when my car really needs a brake job?
• What parts are generally replaced during a brake job, and why?
• Is it always necessary to resurface the rotors/drums when brakes relined or to rebuild or replace the disc brake calipers and drum brake wheel cylinder?
• How can I tell if a rotor/drum needs to be replaced?

Drum brakes

• My brakes are squealing. Does that mean I need a brake job?
• The brake pedal is low when I step on it but comes up when I pump. Do I need new brakes?
• How do I know when my car really needs a brake job?
• What parts are generally replaced during a brake job, and why?
• Is it always necessary to resurface the rotors/drums when brakes relined or to rebuild or replace the disc brake calipers and drum brake wheel cylinder?
• How can I tell if a rotor/drum needs to be replaced?

Master cylinder, brake fluid, bleeding

• My brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when I hold my foot on it. Why?
• The brake pedal is low when I step on it but comes up when I pump. Do I need new brakes?
• What is bleeding the brakes and why is it necessary?

Parking brakes

• My car has an automatic transmission with park, so why do I need a parking brake?

Power-assisted brakes

• How can I tell if my power brakes are working properly?