Brake Repair
Brake Repair in Tewksbury, MA
The brake system is among an automobile’s most important systems. It brings the vehicle to a safe stop when you get to your destination and prevents collisions and other dangerous situations. It’s essential to inspect the brake system regularly and service, repair or replace any of its components that are overly worn, damaged or needs adjusting to improve its function. As experts in automotive repair, we can thoroughly inspect the entire brake system and service, repair or replace any part that doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications for safe operation.
Components of the Brake System
Your car’s brake system begins with the brake pedal that the driver steps on when they want to stop. It ends with brake pads pressing against the rotors in the front and the wheel cylinders forcing the brake shoes to press against the brake drums in the disc brake system in the rear. In between, there are several interlocking components that have to work together properly for the vehicle to stop quickly and safely.
The Braking Process
When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake fluid stored in the master cylinder is forced into the brake line and creates pressure on the calipers. The pressure causes the calipers to squeeze the brake shoes and brake pad on the rotors on the front wheels, and cause the wheel cylinders to press the brake shoes against the brake drum in the rear. We have experienced, ASE certified, mechanics who can inspect the entire brake system and identify what repairs need to be made to make it function properly.
The Parts Of The Braking System
Many automobiles have disk brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The major components that make up the disc brake system are:
- Brake Pedal
- Master Cylinder
- Brake Line
- Brake Shoes
- Brake Pads
- Rotors
- Calipers
The parts of a drum brake system include:
- Brake Springs
- Wheel Cylinder
- Drum Shoes
- Parking Brake Strut
- Hold-Down Pin
- Parking Brake Lever
- Adjusting Screw Assembly
- Automatic Adjuster Level
- Pivot
Getting The Brakes Inspected
There are several brake system parts that need to be serviced, repaired or replaced regularly. We carefully analyze every component as part of the process of getting your brakes inspected. Our service includes identifying if there’s a problem with the brake pedal, brake line, master cylinder, brake fluid exchange, brake shoe, wheel cylinders or brake pads and rotors.
To perform brake repair service properly, each component of the vehicle brake system is thoroughly examined. We will then determine if simply replacing brake pads is the only repair service that’s necessary or if additional brake service is needed. We also perform brake analyses to identify if there’s a more serious brake system problem.
Some of the most common vehicle brake repairs we do include:
- Brake Pad Replacement
- Brake Line Replacement
- Master Cylinder Service, Repair Or Replacement
- Bleeding The Brake Lines
- Repair Or Replacement Of Rotors And Calipers
Brake Pad Replacement
It’s recommended brake pads be replaced about every 20,000 miles. Some vehicles have a brake pad wear indicator that lets the driver know when the pads need to be replaced. However, drivers shouldn’t wait until the brake pads begin to whistle or grind against the rotors before replacing them. This can make stopping hazardous and cause damage to the rotors. Call or visit us if you have over 20,000 miles on your brake pads.
Brake Line Replacement
A vehicle’s brake line sometimes gets damaged or develops pinholes that cause the brake fluid to become contaminated. If dirt gets into the brake line, it can cause a major problem in other parts of the braking system. We can replace your damaged brake line before the brake fluid gets contaminated or leaks out and makes it difficult to stop your vehicle. This is dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
Master Cylinder Service, Repair Or Replacement
Master cylinders have a reservoir which holds the brake fluid. It also regulates the fluid’s pressure throughout the entire brake system. Comprised of several valves and pistons, if dirt gets in the system the master cylinder has to be cleaned to ensure it will continue to function properly or be replaced. Our technicians can have your master cylinder clean and functioning properly in a flash.
Bleeding The Brake Lines
Occasionally air bubbles get into the brake line or the old brake fluid must be drained and replaced with new fluid. This process is called ‘bleeding’ the brake line. We also bleed the brake line after any major brake system repair. If you notice the vehicle’s brake pedal feels ‘soft’ and has to be pumped several times to get the automobile to stop, contact us right away. We will bleed and refill the brake fluid and check the whole brake system to see if there is any other problem.
Repair Or Replacement Of Rotors And Calipers
The brake system has several parts need to be repaired or replaced. Calipers have a large metal arm, small screws and pins, shims, pistons, springs and boots that must be in good condition for the calipers to do their job. We check to see if any of those parts need to be repaired or replaced. The rotors sometimes need machining for the brakes work effectively. We have well-trained, ASE certified, technicians and specialized equipment to smoothen your rotors and take care of any other parts of this complex system that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Brake Repair Services by Highly Skilled Professionals
At Jim Boudreau’s Automotive Service Center in Tewksbury, we have a team of highly rated, experienced, ASE certified mechanics trained to properly service your vehicle’s brake system. We provide fast, affordable, warranted, service and only use the best parts. Call us today if you need brake system service or would like to have your brakes inspected.