BRAKE REPAIR
Spokane, WA
Make sure your vehicle stops when you need it to. Brakes are out specialty. Disk brakes, drum brakes, regenerative brakes, ABS, hand brake – if there is an issue, we can fix it. Golden Rule Brake can service any make and model vehicle in Spokane, WA, & Post Falls, ID.
Brakes are vital for safe driving and your peace of mid. The braking system consists of several components and might have slight differences in the different types, makes, and models of cars. Generally, the parts to look out for are the brake pads, rotors, brake drums, calipers, and wheel cylinders. Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs), and anything in between, Golden Rule Brake has the experts and the latest technology to test your brakes and make sure your ride is safe.
What are brakes?
The brake system makes it possible to stop when you need to. There could be slight configuration differences based on the type of vehicle you drive, but the main braking systems are:
Disk Brakes
Disk Brakes are a commonly used hydraulic braking system. It uses pistons housed in a caliper to squeeze brake pads against a spinning disk (rotor) when the brake pedal is pressed.
Drum Brakes
Drum Brakes are either used on the back wheels (in combination with disc brakes on the front wheels) in some vehicles or used as the main braking system in older vehicles and some smaller cars. It’s a hydraulic system that uses wheel cylinders to push brake shoes against a spinning drum inside the vehicle’s wheels.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS is an automatic emergency braking system in most modern cars designed to prevent hydraulic brakes from locking up when suddenly braking (usually during wet or winter conditions).
Emergency Brake
Also known as parking brake and hand brake, this is a mechanical or electronic system that operates independently of the main braking system. It’s controlled with a hand-operated lever to lock the vehicle’s wheels in place when parked (usually when stopping on incline).
Regenerative Brakes
Regenerative Brakes are commonly used in hybrids and EVs. They are designed to use the energy released when braking and bring it back to the vehicle to recharge the battery, helping increase the mileage one can drive on a single charge.
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Grinding sound when stepping on the brakes
2
Squeaking sounds when braking
3
Brake pedal pulsating or sinking to the floor
4
Brake fluid leaks
5
Longer stopping distances
6
Check engine or brake warning lights come up
Common Signs of Issues:
Brake System Components:
ABS Control Module
ABS Control Module
The ABS control module is a part of the ABS system. It does diagnostic checks and determines when to send the correct pressure to each wheel to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Brake Hoses
Brake Hoses
The brake hoses bring the braking fluid from the end of the braking lines to the calipers or the wheel cylinders.
Brake Rotor
Brake Rotors
The brake rotor is a part of the disk braking system. It’s a metallic disc that is attached to the wheel hub, rotating with the wheel so that when the braking pads squeeze it, the wheel stops.
Brake Booster
Brake Booster
Brake boosters are part of power brake systems. It makes it easier for drivers to brake as it uses engine vacuum and pressure to multiply the force applied by the brake pedal onto the master cylinder.
Brake Lines
Brake Lines
Brake lines bring the braking fluid from the master cylinder to braking hoses. They are rigid metal tubes attached to the vehicle’s body.
Calipers
Calipers
The calipers are parts of the disk braking system. It’s the hydraulic component housing the pistons that squeeze the braking pads against the rotor.
Brake Drum
Brake Drum
The brake drum is a part of a drum braking system. It contains wheel cylinders and brake shoes that slow its rotation, leading to a stop.
Brake Pads
Brake Pads
The brake pads are used in disk brake systems. The brake pads press against the rotor to bring the vehicle to stop. Those wear over time and will eventually need replacement.
Master Cylinder
Master Cylinder
The master cylinder is one of the most important components of the braking system. It initiates the braking process. The master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure that pushes the braking fluid to each wheel.
Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid
The pressurized brake fluid activates the mechanical parts of the braking system. It flows from the brake fluid reservoir to the master cylinder, and then to the calipers or wheel cylinders. It also acts as a lubricant and has anti-corrosion agent.
Brake Pedal
Brake Pedal
The lever that begins the braking process. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, a piston in the master cylinder moves initiating braking.
Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel Speed Sensors
The wheel speed sensors are part of the ABS braking system, monitoring the speed of each wheel and sending the information to the ABS control module.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Brakes Tip:
If you are driving an electric vehicle (EV), regular front-end check ups are very important. Due to the build and working parts of EVs, they can be 10% to 20% heavier than regular internal combustion engine cars. This puts extra weight on the tires and the front-end parts.
While most hybrids and EVs have brakes pads that can last a long time (70,000 to 100,000 for most), there are other parts of the braking system that can get worn or loosened due to the additional stress caused by the increased weight. If you feel or hear something unusual when braking, it’s best to have the brakes inspected. Ensuring that your regenerative brakes are in a working order can help increase the distance you drive for a single charge. For your peace of mind, a yearly inspection can help ensure that your braking system is working properly.