Brake Repair
Your vehicle’s most crucial safety feature is the brake’s stopping power. Squeaking, grinding, pulsating of the brake pedal, and shaking of the steering wheel are warning signs that your braking system isn’t functioning correctly.
If your braking system fails, you risk being involved in a collision and causing injury to yourself and others. For this reason, you must have your brakes serviced as soon as you begin hearing unusual noises and feeling vibrations in the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Brake Maintenance
Given the importance of your car’s brakes to your safety and the general public, trust your maintenance and repairs to a reliable brake shop like Jay’s Garage. Since 1981, the certified technicians of Jay’s Garage, the Portland car tune-up experts, have provided professional auto repair services for all makes and models of domestic and imported vehicles.
Due to the inherent wear and tear caused by the continuous tremendous force exerted on the braking system components, your vehicle will require full servicing of its brakes based on the recommendations provided within your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Suppose you cannot locate your owner’s manual. In that case, Jay’s Garage’s highly experienced automotive repair team can advise you on a maintenance schedule best suited for your specific vehicle.
Brake Pads
Regardless of your vehicle’s particular make and model, a common repair for your braking system will be replacing your brake pads. Inspect or replace your Brake pads every 20,000-25,000 miles for the average vehicle.
However, due to variations in driving styles and whether you drive a manual in which you utilize your clutch for braking, your vehicle’s brakes may wear out differently compared to a car driven by a different person. The owner’s recommendations outlined in the manual should be considered more of a guideline. Your vehicle’s brake pads and fluid must be inspected during oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups to determine whether it’s time for brake servicing.
Whether your vehicle requires brake pads, resurfacing of rotors, or caliper replacements, the AAA-approved automotive repair center, Jay’s Garage in Portland, OR, is prepared to service your vehicle’s brakes successfully and quickly. We also handle all engine and transmission repairs and maintenance on your heating and cooling system. As the car tune-up experts in Portland, Jay’s Garage is a name you can trust for brake maintenance and repair.
Schedule an inspection of your vehicle’s brakes by calling the knowledgeable staff of Jay’s Garage today at (503) 239-5167!
Warning: If your brake system fails, you risk being involved in a collision and causing injury to yourself and others. For this reason, you must have your brakes serviced as soon as you hear unusual noises or feel vibrations in the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Replacing car brakes is a crucial maintenance task
Replacing car brakes is essential for ensuring your vehicle’s safety and optimal performance. Here are general steps to guide you through the process. Please note that these are general guidelines, and you should always refer to your specific vehicle’s manual for detailed instructions:
Tools and Materials:
- Jack and Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- C-clamp or brake caliper tool
- Wrenches or sockets
- Brake fluid
- Brake cleaner
- Brake grease
- New brake pads and rotors (if necessary)
- Gloves and safety glasses
Procedure:
- Gather Materials and Tools:
- Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials before you begin.
- Safety First:
- Park your car on a flat, stable surface.
- Put on safety glasses and gloves.
- Loosen Lug Nuts:
- Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly on the wheel of the brake system you are working on (front or rear).
- Jack up the Car:
- Lift the car using the jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Locate the Brake Caliper:
- Locate the brake caliper and identify the brake pads and rotor.
- Remove the Caliper:
- Use the appropriate wrench or socket to remove the caliper bolts.
- Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it using a wire or bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake line.
- Remove Old Brake Pads:
- Take out the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
- Compress the Caliper Piston:
- Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to compress the piston into the caliper housing. This makes room for the new, thicker brake pads.
- Inspect and Clean:
- Inspect the brake rotor for wear or damage. Consider resurfacing or replacing if necessary.
- Clean the caliper, bracket, and other components with brake cleaner.
- Install New Brake Pads:
- Place the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
- Reattach the Caliper:
- Slide the caliper back over the brake pads and rotor.
- Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Repeat on the Other Side:
- Repeat the process on the other side if you are replacing brakes on both front and rear wheels.
- Put the Wheel Back On:
- Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the Car:
- Carefully lower the car using the jack.
- Tighten Lug Nuts:
- Once the car is on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
- Brake Bedding:
- Follow any specific bedding-in procedures recommended for your brake pads and rotors.
- Check Brake Fluid:
- Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and top it up if necessary.
Always consult your vehicle’s manual, and if you are unsure or uncomfortable with any step, seek professional help. Brake systems are critical for safety, and proper installation is crucial.
Schedule an inspection of your vehicle’s brakes by calling the knowledgeable staff of Jay’s Garage today at (503) 239-5167!