The Ultimate Guide to Brake Problems and Solutions
Understanding your car brake system is crucial for safe driving. Braking systems are divided into conventional brakes and auxiliary brakes.
Conventional brakes includes service brakes and parking brakes, while auxiliary brakes various technologies such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), and TCS (Traction Control System).
Today, we will focus on conventional brakes.
Functions of Conventional Brakes
1. To reduce speed and bring the vehicle to a stop as required by the driver.
2. To maintain vehicle stability and speed control during downhill driving.
3. To ensure that a parked vehicle remains stationary and does not roll.
Conventional braking includes service brakes and parking brakes
Components of the Service Brake System
The service brake system primarily includes:
Brake pedal
Master cylinder
Vacuum booster
Brake fluid lines
Brake calipers
disc or drum brakes
Components of the Parking Brake System
The parking brake system mainly consists of:
Handbrake lever
Handbrake cable
Handbrake switch
Handbrake warning light
Handbrake shoes (some vehicles share rear brake pads, others have separate shoes)
Functions of the Parking Brake System
1. Assists in starting on an incline.
2. Prevents the vehicle from rolling when parked.
3. Provides emergency braking in case of service brake system failure or works in conjunction with the service brakes.
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Brake System Problem
A. Brake Failure
Brake Failure Symptoms:
The brake pedal is pressed but the vehicle does not slow down, repeated pressing yields no significant deceleration.
Brake Failure Causes:
1. Disconnect between the brake pedal and the master cylinder
2. Severe brake fluid loss or depletion
3. Brake line rupture or leakage
4. Master cylinder seals ruptured
B. Poor Brake Performance
Symptoms:
1. Inadequate deceleration or stopping power even after multiple brake pedal presses
2. Extended braking distance during emergency stops
Causes:
1. Excessive brake pedal free play
2. Low brake fluid level
3. Deteriorated brake fluid
4. Air in the brake lines
5. Minor brake fluid leakage
6. Worn master cylinder seals
7. Clogged master cylinder inlet ports
8. Vacuum booster leakage
9. Poor quality or contaminated brake pads
C. Brake Pulling
Brake Pulling Symptoms:
1. Vehicle pulls to one side when braking
2. Skidding or tail swings during emergency braking
Brake Pulling Causes:
1. Uneven tire pressure, wear, or tread patterns
2. Uneven wheel bearing tightness
3. Sticking brake caliper
4. Leaking or blocked brake lines on one side
5. Misalignment issues
6. Loose steering linkage
7. Frame or suspension deformation
8. Faulty load-sensing valve
D. Brake Dragging
Brake Dragging Symptoms:
Brakes do not release immediately after pedal release, affecting starting, acceleration, or coasting.
Brake Dragging Causes:
1. Brake pedal lacks free play
2. Blocked master cylinder return port
3. Sticking brake caliper
4. Aging or expanded brake hoses
5. Deformed or dented brake lines
6. Broken or jammed drum brake return springs
7. Out-of-round drum brake components
E. Brake Vibration
Brake Vibration Symptoms:
Brake pedal vibrates up and down, and the vehicle body shakes during braking.
Brake Vibration Causes:
Typically caused by warped brake discs.
F. Brake Squeaking Noise
Symptoms:
High-pitched squealing or squeaking noise when braking.
Causes:
1. Incorrect installation of brake pads
2. Worn brake pads
3. Brake pad quality issues
4. Abnormal wear of brake discs or pads
G. Brake Clunking Sound
Symptoms:
Clunking noise from the chassis when braking.
Causes:
Often due to loose chassis components, worn ball joints, or loose brake calipers.
Understanding these components and diagnostic methods can help you maintain your car brake system in optimal condition and ensure safe driving.
