Frequently asked questions
 |
1. How long should my brakes
last?
Depending on the vehicle application and
driving conditions, brake pads should last
anything from 15,000 to 70,000 kilometres.
If you feel that your brake pads are wearing
out prematurely you may need to install
heavier duty, temperature resistant brake
pads such as Bendix Heavy Duty. The main
cause of premature wear is high temperatures
caused by driving on steep terrain, towing
heavy loads and constant braking. All these
factors increase braking temperatures and
reduce the life of brake pads. |
 |
2. Why are my brakes noisy?
Brakes should operate with a minimal amount
of noise, however some noise is normal, but
excessive squeal, screech, grinding,
groaning or banging means that your brakes
need attention. There are many varying
factors that can contribute to noise
including vehicle application and driving
style. |
 |
3. There's a terrible vibration
when I brake. What causes that?
If the brake pedal, steering wheel or the
entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulsates
when the brakes are applied, then the disc
brake rotors may need resurfacing. More
serious problems such as a loose component
or a faulty steering mechanism can also
cause vibration. |
 |
4. When should brakes be
machined?
Michael's Service Station recommends that
rotors be machined as a routine part of
every brake job.
Rotor thickness variation and surface
irregularities can lead to brake noise and
vibration. Some rotors cannot be
satisfactory machined and replacement may be
necessary. We always measure the thickness
prior to commencing machining.
|
|
5. Which brake pads should I use
for my car?
The key to selecting the right brake pad for
your car and to achieving efficient braking
is matching your driving style and vehicle
type with the right brake pad formulation.
Bendix has several brake pads available.
Click on the Bendix Brake Pad Selection
Guide to the left to see which pad suits
your type of vehicle and driving style.
|
For more information
on Bendix brakes visit
www.bendix.com.au
 . |
Your car's brakes work hard. And the job they do is critical
to your safety. That's why it's so important for you to be aware
of how your brakes work, and to be alert for signs that your
brakes need maintenance. Here you'll find an overview of braking
systems, and tips to help you know when it's time for brake
service. No matter what your brake system needs, Michael's
Service Station is here to help make sure your car is
functioning.
ABOUT BRAKING
SYSTEMS
Today's braking systems are composed of a number of integral
parts all working together to ensure that your vehicle stops
properly. Generally speaking, by depressing the brake pedal, you
are telling the master cylinder to compress brake fluid, which
in turn sends hydraulic pressure through brake lines that
activate your vehicle's brake pads (or shoes). These pads (or
shoes) then make contact with spinning rotors (or drums),
slowing down or stopping the vehicle. More complex systems use
sensors to activate the brake system, but the net desired effect
is the same.
The parts that make up your vehicle's brake system wear down
over time and eventually need to be replaced. The most common
brake repair performed is the replacement of brake pads (or
shoes). Whether composed of ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic
materials, brake pads erode each time you depress the brake
pedal. If the pads wear down too much without being replaced,
the metal housing for the pads will make contact with the metal
rotors (or drums), which may produce not only a safety issue but
a situation where the rotors/drums are required to be replaced
as a result of the prolonged contact of metal parts without the
pad buffer.
TIME FOR BRAKE
SERVICE?
There are several warning signs that your vehicle can give
you before your brakes may reach the point of potential failure
or extensive repair. Simply using your sense of hearing, sight
and touch may alert you to a potential problem. Here are some of
the common questions you should ask yourself concerning your
vehicle's brake system:
- Does your brake warning light come on when you are
driving?
- Is your brake fluid low? Does it appear very dirty?
- Do you hear a grinding sound or a squealing sound when
you apply the brake pedal?
- Do you feel a pulsation or some sponginess in the brake
pedal when it is depressed?
- Does your vehicle steer or pull to one side when
braking?
These are the most common signs that can suggest a potential
brake system problem that should be addressed. Any other sights,
sounds or sensations in the brake system that seem out of the
ordinary should also be taken into consideration. Most times,
brake system problems will only escalate if disregarded.
Complete
Lifetime Auto Care Suggestions
- Technicians at Michael's Service Station are trained to
service today's complex brake systems. They can inspect your
vehicle's braking system to ensure that it is functioning
properly or to diagnose a problem and offer suggestions and
an estimate for repair.
- From brake pad replacement to servicing rotors to
replacing brake cylinders to addressing Anti-Lock Brake
System issues, Michael's Service Station provides full
repair service for all your vehicle's brake components.
- Additionally, we can perform routine maintenance as
suggested by your vehicle's manufacturer. Most often this is
a brake system flush, which involves the removal of air and
moisture from brake lines and the replacement of brake
fluid.
Whatever your vehicle's brake system needs, Michael's Service
Station can perform the service to help ensure its proper
working condition. Trust Michael's Service Station for your
vehicle's brake service maintenance and repairs.
