The Brake Failure Signs That You May Not Know About
Posted on: 5 February 2018
Whilst everyone knows that their brakes require attention when the brake warning light appears, that's far from being the only indicator that you're dealing with brake trouble. Below, you'll learn about some of the most serious -- and yet sometimes least known -- signs of impending brake failure.
Metallic Noises Whilst Applying the Brakes
If your brake pads are starting to wear down, the brake pad wear indicators will screech, groan, squeal, or make other unpleasant metallic noises whilst you're applying the brakes. These noises occur because the metal is making contact with the rotor. If the problem is ignored, the brake pad replacement can turn into a much more expensive repair -- a warped rotor.
A Grinding Sensation Whilst Depressing the Brakes
Whilst it's fairly common to hear metallic noises if your brakes are failing, you may also notice another less common problem at the same time. If you can feel a grinding sensation whilst depressing the brakes, it might mean that your brake pads are worn out. As mentioned above, when the brake pads are completely worn through, the rotor is damaged and the repair becomes far more costly.
However, a grinding sensation that doesn't come along with metallic noises might be something more minor. It might signify poor lubrication within the drum brakes, which can be easily remedied by adding lubricant if the problem is identified early enough. A pebble trapped in the caliper unit can cause a grinding sensation whilst applying the brakes, and it's quite easy for your brake repairs provider to remedy the issue straight away.
Shaking Steering Wheel Whilst Applying the Brakes
If your steering wheel shakes or vibrates whenever you depress the brake pedal, the chances that you have brake problems are high. Specifically, steering wheel shaking or vibration is often the sign of uneven wearing on the rotor. Brake rotors should always be smooth and even in terms of wear, but if your brake pads are worn all the way through it might create very irregular rotor wear leading to the steering wheel problems.
Unusual Tyre Wear
During regular tyre safety checks, unusual tyre problems -- those not caused by regular wear and tear -- might be discovered. If your brakes are wearing down or are nearly worn out completely, you'll have to stop more forcefully than you would with undamaged brakes. Each time that you have to put extra energy into applying the brakes, the tyres suffer. Tyre rubber will wear away faster when you have brake problems, and the tyre wear may be quite uneven as well.
If you've noticed any of these signs of brake problems, speak to your local brake specialist today. Looking after your brakes now will save you a lot of money and trouble in the long term!
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