Brake Repair

Common indicators include grinding or squealing sounds, a vibrating steering wheel, or a brake pedal that feels unusually soft when pressed. Your vehicle might also pull to the left or right during braking, which signals a potentially dangerous imbalance in the system. Timely inspection is crucial, as faulty brakes can compromise the function of advanced collision-avoidance systems.

A professional brake inspection is recommended at least once per year or roughly every 20,000 kilometres to ensure all components are functioning correctly. Your driving habits and the demanding Edmonton climate can accelerate wear, so more frequent checks may be necessary if you often drive in stop-and-go city traffic. This proactive approach helps identify minor issues before they become major safety concerns.

A consistent high-pitched squeal is most often caused by the built-in wear indicators on your brake pads, alerting you that they are near the end of their service life. Temporary squealing can also be caused by moisture or light surface rust on the brake rotors after the car has been parked, which usually disappears after a few stops. If the noise persists, it is a clear sign that your pads require professional inspection.

Brake pads are the consumable friction material that directly contacts the rotors, which are the large metal discs that spin with your wheels. When you brake, the pads clamp against the rotors to create the friction needed to slow the vehicle down. The size and composition of these parts are specifically engineered to manage the weight and performance of different vehicle types, from sedans to three-row SUVs.

The lifespan of brake pads and rotors typically ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 kilometres, but this varies greatly based on driving style and conditions. Components will wear out faster with frequent hard braking, navigating hilly terrain, or consistent city driving. Following the recommended maintenance schedule is the most effective way to ensure their longevity and performance.

Pulling to one side is usually caused by a problem in the hydraulic system, such as a sticking brake calliper or a blocked brake hose. This results in uneven braking force being applied to the wheels, creating a dangerous handling imbalance. While the vehicle's electronic stability control may help compensate, the underlying mechanical fault requires immediate repair.

In many cases, brake pads can be replaced on their own, provided the rotors are still within the manufacturer's thickness tolerance and are not warped or deeply grooved. However, for the best and safest performance, it is often recommended to resurface or replace the rotors at the same time. This creates a perfectly smooth, new surface for the pads to bed into, ensuring quiet and effective braking.

It is highly unsafe to continue driving with a brake warning light illuminated on your dashboard, as it signals a serious potential failure. The light could indicate critically low brake fluid, a loss of hydraulic pressure, or a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system. You should pull over safely and have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

A typical front or rear brake service, including the replacement of pads and rotors, can usually be completed in one to two hours. More complex repairs involving brake callipers, lines, or master cylinders will naturally require more time for proper diagnosis and service. Vehicles featuring an electronic parking brake also require an extra step to put the system into service mode, which is a standard procedure for our trained technicians.