Brakes
Seven signs your brakes need attention now
Brakes tell you they are worn long before they fail. Here is what each noise and feel actually means, and why we check them but do not repair them.
· 6 min read
Quick answers
- · 1) A high squeal at low speed — the wear indicator is touching the rotor. 2) Grinding — the pad material is gone and metal is cutting your rotor. 3) Pulsation in the pedal — rotor thickness variation. 4) A soft or sinking pedal — air or a fluid leak in the hydraulic system. 5) Pulling to one side under braking — a sticking caliper or collapsed hose. 6) Longer stopping distance. 7) A brake warning light.
- · Pads are the cheap part. Once you are grinding, you are buying rotors as well, and a caliper that overheats from riding a worn pad turns a two-part job into a four-part job.
- · We do not perform brake repairs. During a pre-purchase inspection, we measure pad thickness and check rotor and caliper condition as part of evaluating a vehicle you are considering buying, and we will tell you plainly if brakes are a near-term cost. On a vehicle you already own, if any of the signs above show up, get it to a qualified repair shop — grinding and a soft pedal are not worth waiting on.
The seven signs
1) A high squeal at low speed — the wear indicator is touching the rotor. 2) Grinding — the pad material is gone and metal is cutting your rotor. 3) Pulsation in the pedal — rotor thickness variation. 4) A soft or sinking pedal — air or a fluid leak in the hydraulic system. 5) Pulling to one side under braking — a sticking caliper or collapsed hose. 6) Longer stopping distance. 7) A brake warning light.
Grinding, a sinking pedal and a brake warning light are safety-now items. The rest are service-soon.
Why it matters
Pads are the cheap part. Once you are grinding, you are buying rotors as well, and a caliper that overheats from riding a worn pad turns a two-part job into a four-part job.
What we check, and where the repair happens
We do not perform brake repairs. During a pre-purchase inspection, we measure pad thickness and check rotor and caliper condition as part of evaluating a vehicle you are considering buying, and we will tell you plainly if brakes are a near-term cost. On a vehicle you already own, if any of the signs above show up, get it to a qualified repair shop — grinding and a soft pedal are not worth waiting on.
Bone says: here's why
Why do brakes squeal before they grind? Because the squeal is a little metal tab put there on purpose to warn you. Ignore it and the next sound costs rotors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know about seven signs your brakes need attention now?
1) A high squeal at low speed — the wear indicator is touching the rotor. 2) Grinding — the pad material is gone and metal is cutting your rotor. 3) Pulsation in the pedal — rotor thickness variation. 4) A soft or sinking pedal — air or a fluid leak in the hydraulic system. 5) Pulling to one side under braking — a sticking caliper or collapsed hose. 6) Longer stopping distance. 7) A brake warning light.
Why does brakes guidance matter for Cincinnati-area drivers?
Pads are the cheap part. Once you are grinding, you are buying rotors as well, and a caliper that overheats from riding a worn pad turns a two-part job into a four-part job.
Can a mobile technician help at my location?
Yes. Redneck Roadside Tech's Mobile Service Division serves approved locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Let's keep your vehicle healthy.
Tell us the vehicle, the location and what you're noticing. We'll come to your home, workplace or business.