We probably get more questions about braking systems than any other part of a car, and try to answer some of the more common questions here:

How much does brake repair cost?
And how much does it cost to change brake pads or brake shoes? The cost of fixing a brake problem varies widely, usually a visual inspection is needed to assess the work needed. One of the things that customers like about our shop is that we do not automatically change brake pads if there is plenty of life left on them – if brake pads are only 30% worn, we’ll let you know so you can decide when to replace them.

How long do brake repairs take?
Again, it depends on the service needed, for a popular vehicle where the parts are in stock, a brake job can take as little as an hour, but obviously ordering parts from our supplier takes longer.

Do you do brake caliper repair?
Many of the issues with worn or sticking brake pads are due to calipers. These are the moving parts at the wheel which transfer the brake fluid pressure to the brake pad or shoe. If a brake caliper is grabbing, frozen or stuck, then the brake pad may stay stick permanently pressing onto the rotor – this may lead to brakes overheating and smoke coming from the wheel. Immediate brake service is needed as the brakes may fail. A leaking or stuck brake caliper can be repaired or rebuilt, but often it is cheaper to replace the unit.

How much does a brake line repair cost?
The cost of replacing a broken or damaged brake line depends on how easy it is to get at – the line is usually not expensive, and it is just a matter of replacing the line with a new one, and then bleeding the brakes to remove air out of the system.

How much would it cost to replace brakes and rotors?
Replacing rotors is not always needed. If brake pads are replaced before too much damage is done to a rotor, then the surface of the rotor can be skimmed or machined, however if the rotor is too thin, the they must be replaced.

What can cause spongy brakes?
Spongy brakes are caused by air being in the system, and in the worst case the brake pedal can go to the floor. Air in a brake line must be compressed before the brake fluid is pressed to the cylinders. Bleeding the brakes removes air from the system to firm up the pedal.

Can you fix squeaky brakes?
If a rotor is bent or twisted, then applying the brakes will be uneven, and can cause a squeak or shudder. A squeaky brake can squeal when the pad is applied to a rotor. There is an anti-squeal shim, which may be missing from the pad, or the rotor may be distorted and not running true, we can diagnose at the shop.

For a brake check-up or service call us at (972) 578-1841 today.