Spotting Brake System Failures

Your car’s braking system is one of its most critical safety features. Being able to effectively slow down or stop the car is number one when it comes to safety, and any malfunction in the brake system can spell disaster. In this article, we’ll be looking at spotting potential brake system failures so that you can keep safe out on the road.

One of the most obvious signs that your brakes need looking at is squeaking or grinding noises. If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you press the brake pedal, it’s often an indication that the brake pads are worn out and need replacing.

Figure 1: Squeaking or grinding noises are often caused by your brake pads' brake wear indicators.

The sound is often caused by a metal tab on your brake pads known as the brake wear indicator. Once the brake pad is at a certain level this tab will contact the rotor, letting you know that it’s time for new pads.

Figure 2: These noises often mean that it's time for a brake pad change.

Putting off brake pad replacement can lead to more severe damage to the brake system, including damage to the rotors or calipers. So, it’s important to act as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs.

Another thing to look out for is a soft or spongy brake pedal. This is usually an indication that there is air in the brake lines or a leak somewhere else in the brake system. Spongy brakes can compromise your ability to brake effectively, so it’s important to get this issue looked at as soon as possible.

Figure 3: If you're experiencing a spongy brake pedal, the first think to inspect is your brake fluid.

The first thing to check is the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir. If the brake fluid level is low, it could indicate a leak in the brake system. The brake lines as well as any fittings will need to be inspected for any signs of leaks or damage. If there are no visible leaks, you may need to have the brake system bled to remove any air bubbles that could be causing the spongy brake feel.

If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, this is often a sign that you have a stuck brake caliper or a collapsed brake hose. This uneven braking can make it extremely difficult to control your vehicle, especially in an emergency braking situation.

Figure 4: A stuck brake caliper can often be repaired by cleaning and lubricating the caliper slide pins.

In this case, the brake pads, calipers, and brake hoses will need to be inspected for any signs of uneven wear or damage. Uneven brake pad wear is a tell-tale sign that you have a stuck brake caliper. This can often be repaired by cleaning and lubricating the caliper slide pins. However, in some cases, the caliper may be too far gone, meaning a caliper rebuild or replacement is in order.

If you feel a vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it may be an indication of warped or damaged brake rotors, or unevenly worn brake pads.

Diagnosing brake vibrations starts with inspecting the brake rotors. If the rotors are warped or damaged, they will need to be replaced. Warped rotors can stem from several reasons, including overheating, prolonged and aggressive braking, or poor-quality brake components.

Figure 5: The first thing to check when diagnosing a vibration under braking is the condition of your rotors.

If the rotors are in good shape, the next step is to check the brake pads for wear or unevenness. If the brake pads are worn unevenly, they will need to be replaced, and the brake calipers will need to be inspected for any issues that could cause uneven wear.

Figure 6: If the rotors are okay, check your brake pads for uneven wear.

Spotting brake system failures is crucial for maintaining your safety out on the road. If you encounter any of these issues, it's important to have them diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the brake system and ensure your ability to brake effectively.

When the time comes, Bendix offers a wide range of brake parts and consumables to get your car’s braking system up to scratch.

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