Braking System
Service and Cost
Typical Cost
1. Brake Pads: – Cost: $175 to $375 per axle, including parts and labor. – Details: The cost can vary based on the material of the brake pads (ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic) and the brand.
2. Brake Rotors: – Cost: $275 to $575 per axle, including parts and labor. – Details: Rotors can be resurfaced if they are not too worn, which is cheaper than replacement. However, replacement is often recommended for optimal performance.
3. Brake Calipers: – Cost: $225 to $475 per caliper, including parts and labor. – Details: Calipers are more expensive and may not need frequent replacement unless they are damaged or malfunctioning.
4. Brake Lines and Hoses: – Cost: $200 to $375, including parts and labor. – Details: These are less commonly replaced but are crucial for maintaining brake fluid pressure.
5. Brake Fluid Flush: – Cost: $125 to $175. – Details: This service is recommended every 2 to 3 years to ensure the brake system functions properly.
6. Master Cylinder: – Cost: $275 to $475, including parts and labor. – Details: The master cylinder is a critical component, and its failure can lead to a complete loss of braking ability.
7. ABS Control Module: – Cost: $375 to $1,200, including parts and labor. – Details: This is a more complex and expensive repair, often necessary if the ABS warning light is on. These costs are estimates based on a labor rate of $125 per hour and include both parts and labor. Prices may vary depending on vehicle make and model, with luxury and performance vehicles typically costing more. We recommend scheduling an inspection for an accurate quote specific to your vehicle.
Typical Service Procedure
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When it comes to replacing or repairing parts in a vehicle’s braking system, several components might be involved. The braking system is crucial for vehicle safety, so it’s important to ensure all parts are functioning correctly. Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included:
1. Brake Pads and Shoes: These are the components that press against the rotors or drums to create friction and stop the vehicle. They are among the most frequently replaced parts due to wear and tear.
2. Brake Rotors and Drums: Rotors (for disc brakes) and drums (for drum brakes) are the surfaces that the brake pads or shoes press against. They may need to be resurfaced or replaced if they are warped, cracked, or worn beyond specifications.
3. Brake Calipers: These are the components that house the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to press them against the rotors. Calipers can sometimes seize or leak and may need to be repaired or replaced.
4. Brake Lines and Hoses: These carry the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes themselves. They can develop leaks or become damaged, necessitating repair or replacement.
5. Brake Fluid: This is the hydraulic fluid used in the braking system. It may need to be replaced or topped off, and the system may need to be bled to remove air bubbles.
6. Master Cylinder: This is the component that generates the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the brakes. It can fail internally or develop leaks, requiring repair or replacement.
7. Brake Booster: This assists the master cylinder by using vacuum pressure to reduce the effort needed to apply the brakes. If it fails, it can lead to a hard brake pedal and may need replacement.
8. ABS Components: If the vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), components such as wheel speed sensors, the ABS module, and the hydraulic control unit may need attention.
9. Parking Brake Components: This includes cables, levers, and mechanisms that may need adjustment, repair, or replacement if they are not functioning properly.
When servicing the braking system, our professional technicians perform a thorough inspection to identify any worn or damaged parts. We recommend replacing brake pads and rotors in pairs (both front or both rear) to ensure balanced braking performance. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to
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What is a Braking System and What Does It Do?
The braking system in a vehicle is a safety component designed to slow down or stop the vehicle. It consists of several key parts, each playing a specific role in the process of braking. Here are the main components:
1. Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is the part that the driver presses with their foot to initiate the braking process. It acts as a lever to increase the force applied by the driver.
2. Master Cylinder: When the brake pedal is pressed, it pushes a piston inside the master cylinder, which converts the mechanical force into hydraulic pressure. This pressure is then transmitted through the brake lines.
3. Brake Lines and Hoses: These are the conduits that carry the hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders. They are designed to withstand high pressure and are typically made of steel or reinforced rubber.
4. Brake Calipers: In disc brake systems, the calipers are responsible for squeezing the brake pads against the brake rotors. They use the hydraulic pressure from the brake lines to apply force to the pads.
5. Brake Pads: These are friction materials that press against the brake rotors to create the necessary friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and wear over time.
6. Brake Rotors (or Discs): These are metal discs attached to the wheel hub. When the brake pads clamp down on the rotors, the friction generated slows the rotation of the wheels.
7. Drum Brakes: In some vehicles, especially older models or on the rear wheels, drum brakes are used instead of disc brakes. They consist of a brake drum attached to the wheel and brake shoes that press outward against the drum to create friction.
8. Brake Shoes: In drum brake systems, these are the components that press against the inside of the brake drum to create friction and slow the vehicle.
9. Wheel Cylinders: In drum brake systems, these are similar to calipers in disc brakes. They use hydraulic pressure to push the brake shoes against the drum.
10. Brake Booster: This component is used in power brake systems to amplify the force applied by the driver on the brake pedal, making it easier to stop the vehicle. It typically uses vacuum pressure from the engine.
11. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This is an advanced safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping maintain steering control. It includes sensors, a control module, and a hydraulic modulator.
12. Parking Brake (or Emergency Brake): This is a separate system used to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. It typically operates mechanically, using cables to engage the brakes.Each of these components works together to ensure that the vehicle can be safely and effectively slowed down or stopped as needed. Regular maintenance and inspection of the braking system are crucial for vehicle safety.
Signs of a bad Braking System
The braking system is crucial for vehicle safety, and recognizing signs of failure can prevent accidents and costly repairs. Here are some common indicators of potential issues in the braking system:
1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises: High-pitched noises when applying the brakes often indicate worn brake pads. This is usually a built-in warning mechanism to alert the driver that the pads need replacement.
2. Grinding Sounds: A grinding noise suggests that the brake pads are completely worn down, and the metal of the calipers is making contact with the rotors. This can cause significant damage and requires immediate attention.
3. Vibrations or Pulsations: If you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it could indicate warped rotors. This can occur from excessive heat or uneven wear.
4. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when pressed may indicate air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake fluid. This can severely affect braking performance and should be addressed promptly.
5. Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor: If the brake pedal sinks to the floor with little resistance, it could be a sign of a brake fluid leak or a problem with the master cylinder.
6. Pulling to One Side: If the vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or issues with the brake lines.
7. Burning Smell: A sharp, chemical odor after repeated hard braking or driving down a steep incline can indicate overheated brakes or a stuck caliper. This requires immediate attention to prevent brake failure.
8. Brake Warning Light: If the brake warning light on the dashboard illuminates, it could indicate a variety of issues, from low brake fluid to a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
9. Increased Stopping Distance: If you notice that it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop, it could be due to worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or other issues within the braking system.
10. Visible Leaks: Puddles of fluid under the vehicle near the wheels can indicate a brake fluid leak, which can lead to brake failure if not addressed.Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the braking system functions correctly. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
