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- Why Does My Car Drive Weird?
- Why Does My Car Make Noises?
- Why Does my Car smell?
- Symptoms Without Summary
- Car Leaking Coolant
- AC Isn't Cooling
- AC Blowing Hot Air
- Shaking While Driving
- Overheating AC
- AC Smells Like Vinegar
- Heater Not Working
- Windshield Wipers Don't Work
- Car Leaking Water
- Car Leaking Red Fluid
- Car Battery Leaking
- AC Only Work Sometimes
- Shaking While Idle
- Shaking At High Speeds
- Evap System Leak
- Shaking While Braking At High Speeds
- Shaking When Stopped
- Shaking When Accelerating
- Radiator Leaking
- Pink Fluid Leaking
- Car Leaking Oil
- AC Not Working.
- Car Leaking Gas
- Power Steering Fluid Leak
- Bad Brake Caliper
Brake System Evaluation
The car's braking system is designed to reduce speed, stop, and maintain a stationary position while parked. Your safety while driving depends on the quality and uninterrupted operation of the car's braking system; even a minor malfunction can cause an accident on the road. Service the braking system during scheduled maintenance, and if malfunctions are detected, immediately visit a service center for repair.
Signs of braking system malfunction that require a service center visit for diagnostics and further repair:
- The car's braking distance has noticeably increased.
- The brake pedal does not work correctly - sometimes it goes deep down, sometimes it completely sticks.
- The braking system, consisting of pads, constantly emits a hum, squeaks, and strong vibration during braking.
The brake fluid, which pumps the system, is being consumed too quickly, with clear leaks visible.
Before investigating the cause of a brake problem, make sure that the tires are in good condition and sufficiently inflated, the front wheel alignment is correct, and the vehicle is not loaded with uneven load distribution.
There are two main methods to check the braking system in any car: a road test, which you can perform yourself, and a test stand, which requires the services of a service center.
Road Test:
A road test is any trip in the vehicle. Even novices can feel when, during braking without steering pressure, the car deviates to one side. Squeaks, extra noises, the brake pedal sinking to the floor, increased braking distance, and vibrations should not be ignored. These are all signs of braking system malfunctions.
Test Stand:
More accurate information can be obtained during stand tests. All data collected are recorded on media.
The information is then processed using special computer programs. This helps to understand the actual condition of the brakes.
Diagnostics of the brake system also includes checking:
- Brake pads
- Discs and drums
- Hub bearing
- Brake fluid
- Brake hoses
- Calipers
- Working cylinders
- Vacuum brake booster and master cylinder
- ABS diagnostics if the car is equipped with the system
- Handbrake
When problems are detected in the braking system, parts that have failed are replaced. For instance, worn brake pads are unconditionally replaced with new ones. In case of a hydraulic drive malfunction, it too is subject to replacement. Faulty sensors are replaced in the case of ABS malfunctions. If hoses are deformed (bent, dried out, cracked), they may be partially replaced. Brake fluid replacement is also carried out.
On the road, pay attention to potential malfunctions and periodically monitor the operation of the brakes.
Even if everything seems fine with the car, and you do not feel any signs of malfunctions, inspect the braking system during annual maintenance. Early detection of a malfunction can save lives.
This is a high-priority fix. Find more details and shops performing this fix in your area here.
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Squealing Noise
The squealing is caused by stuck partially-applied brakes or worn-out brake linings. The linings are designed to squeal over time as if saying "replace us" to the motorist. But there might be alternative common causes.
The most common causes for a car squealing are:
- Faulty axle seal: A faulty axle seal can cause squealing noises by allowing lubricant to leak out, leading to inadequate lubrication of axle components. This can increase friction between metal parts, causing squealing sounds.
- Stuck brake caliper: A stuck brake caliper can cause squealing noises due to the constant friction between the brake pads and the rotor. When a caliper gets stuck, it fails to retract properly, keeping the brake pads in constant contact.
- Heat-cracked rotors: When rotors are subjected to excessive heat, they can develop cracks on their surface. These cracks can create uneven wear on the brake pads, leading to squealing noises.
- Worn-out brake pads: Worn-out brake pads can cause squealing noises due to the wear indicators built into the pads. As brake pads wear down, these indicators, usually small metal tabs will purposefully start screeching, yelling that you need to change them.
- Bent brake rotors: When a rotor is bent, the distance between the rotor and the brake pads fluctuates, causing the pads to touch the rotor unevenly. This uneven contact can lead to vibrations and squealing noises.
- Low-quality brake pads: Low-quality brake pads can cause squealing noises due to their composition and lack of effective noise-reducing features. These pads may be made from inferior materials that produce more friction and noise.
Brake rotors, ball joints, pads, calipers, and other brake system parts are crucial to your safety. When discussing with a mechanic, it's common to describe the sound as a squealing brake or squeaking brake sound.
You can do a quick inspection of your own by checking your vehicle's wheels to see if they have an open-type design. In some cases, you may see the brake wear indicator, which is the culprit of making a brake squealing and squeaking sound that only ceases when pressing the brake pedal.
Other Vehicle Symptoms
Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing
