BRAKE PAD AND BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT IN HIXSON, TN

Overtime, your calipers can become worn, seals can break down, or rust and debris can cause sticking of the piston or slide pins and this can cause the caliper to fail. We usually call this ceasing and it is extremely dangerous. Your braking system is arguably the most important safety system in your vehicle.

If you are feeling that the vehicle pulls to one side, feel like your brakes are active when you aren’t engaging them, notice a brake fluid leak or smoke coming from your brakes make an appointment at Differentials Plus to get your brakes inspected.

Drum brakes are designed to last 150-200,000 miles so replacement isn’t necessary as often as disc brake systems. They do, however, require cleaning and adjustment to continue to work at their best. We normally recommend an adjustment every 2-3 years.

With our complimentary inspection during each service, we will be bring that to your attention if it is needed.

Shoe and drum replacement may be required at a certain milage, defect or damage. At Differentials Plus we are equipped to service any brake system you may have. As always, if you notice a change in your normal braking, stop in for a brake inspection so we can determine if you need an adjustment or repair.

Drum and disc brakes are common vehicle braking systems. Drum brakes use brake shoes pressing against a drum, offering durability and cost-effectiveness, often on rear wheels. Disc brakes use pads clamping onto a rotor, providing better stopping power and heat dissipation, typically on front wheels. Each system suits different performance needs and budgets.

Disc Brake

Basic Description
The disc brake system consists mainly of a brake caliper, brake pads, and a brake rotor.

Technical Description
Almost all vehicles use disc brake systems, particularly on the front wheels. Disc brakes work by squeezing together a pair of brake pads on the rotating brake disc or rotor. The device that squeezes the pads together is called the brake caliper. Disc brakes can develop problems such as warped rotors – which cause the steering wheel to shake when the brakes are applied, or may become rusted and fail to apply or release evenly, causing uneven or accelerated brake pad wear.

Drum Brake

Basic Description
The drum brake system consists mainly of a hydraulic wheel cylinder, brake shoes, return springs, and a brake drum.

Technical Description
Drum brakes are generally used to stop the rear wheels on trucks and lower performance cars. The drum is connected to either the rear axle or a wheel hub, and the wheel is attached to the drum. The wheel cylinder is the device in the top of the picture between the tops of the red brake shoes. Clicking Apply Brakes shows how the pistons in the wheel cylinder move outwards when the brake fluid is pressurised. This forces the brake shoes – the red/orange half circles on each side – to move outwards, forcing them to push against the inside of the brake drum and slowing then stopping the wheel from turning.The orange friction material on the brake shoes wears out as the brakes are applied. Removing the brake shoes involves dismantling the springs and clips that hold the red brake shoes in place. When installing new shoes it may be necessary to also replace the springs or hardware to keep the shoes in place properly.

The Cost of Poor Brake Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle’s brakes is often overlooked until an issue arises, but neglecting brake maintenance can have significant financial implications and jeopardize safety on the road. From increased brake repair costs to potential accidents, the true cost of poor brake maintenance extends beyond the initial investment.
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Repair Expenses: Ignoring routine brake repairs and maintenance can lead to premature wear and damage to braking components, resulting in costly repairs. Over time, worn brake pads, warped rotors, or malfunctioning brake calipers may require replacement, adding up to hundreds of dollars in expenses. Regular brake service and inspections and timely repairs can prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs, saving money in the long run.

In the photos above you can see the difference between a new and very used pad. When the pad material gets very low or is worn off completely is when you will start to see the pad cause damage to the vehicle rotors. In this case the pads caused severe damage. You can see the difference between the two rotor photos. The far right photo is a brand new smooth rotor but the one next to has deep grooves caused by the brake pad. When the rotors become damaged like this you will begin to feel vibration/pulsation in the brake pedal and/or steering wheel and you’ll probably start to hear some grinding or squeaking while braking. Adding rotors to your brake job will increase your cost significantly so regular pad maintenance will really help prolong the life of those rotors.

Safety Risks: Perhaps the most significant cost of poor brake maintenance is the risk to safety. Brake safety is an integral part of responsible driving. Malfunctioning brakes compromise a vehicle’s ability to stop quickly and effectively, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This is why regular brake service and inspections, recognizing warning signs of brake problems, seeking professional maintenance, practicing safe driving habits, and understanding the legal implications of neglected brake safety are key steps to ensuring your safety on the road. The financial costs pale in comparison to the potential human cost of accidents caused by neglected brake maintenance.