The braking system in a car is important to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users. Its main task is to slow down or completely stop the vehicle by creating braking force. It occurs when the brake pads rub against the discs or drums. Braking performance directly affects a vehicle's ability to stop in a timely manner in an emergency, prevent a collision, or avoid an obstacle.
How to identify a malfunction
The driver can identify problems by the following signs:
- Increased pedal free play. Indicates difficulty in moving the drive mechanism due to partial or complete wear of the brake pads, as well as the presence of air in the system.
- Pedal that springs or falls. Indicates air in the brakes that needs to be removed, as well as possible damage or deformation of hoses, pipes, or the need to add fluid to the expansion tank.
- Hard pedal and reduced braking efficiency. There may be signs of leaks in the pipeline, the need to tighten fasteners or replace pipes, cuffs, the master cylinder or its internal parts if they are damaged.
- When braking, the car pulls to the side. The reasons may be oily or damaged brake pad linings, their uneven wear, contamination or failure of caliper parts, fluid leakage in the working cylinder, damage or clogging of hoses and pipelines.
- Wheel braking. May be caused by a clogged compensation hole or too small a gap between the rod and the piston in the master cylinder.
- Brake knocking. The result of beating or corrosion of discs, changes in the shape of the drum (for drum brakes), or the use of pads that do not match the specific vehicle.
- Creaking. May occur due to contamination of the caliper, weakening of spacer springs, increased play in wheel bearings, corrosion of the edge of the disc or its mismatch with the caliper.
- Squealing or whistling. Indicates wear or contamination of the pads, as well as scoring on the surface of the disc.
Basic inspection methods
It is recommended to check the serviceability regularly Conduct a visual inspection of components – monitor brake fluid levels, condition of hoses and pads, and pay attention to any signs of leaks or unusual sounds when braking. In addition, you should periodically perform braking performance tests and brake force checks in a safe area or on an empty road.