Brakes

Brake Services

The brakes in your vehicle are the absolute most overlooked part of your maintenance which is not the way it should be because if you are due for a brake check or brake inspection you are putting your family and yourself at risk. Luckily, DS Diesall is conveniently located in Nottingham, Pa. and provides top quality brake service in Nottingham.

DS Diesall provides the following Brake Services:

  • Brake checks
  • Brake Inspection
  • Rotor Replacement
  • Drum Brakes
  • Disc Brakes
  • Brake Fluid and Flush

What are the different types of brakes? There is two different types of brakes in today’s vehicles:

Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes

Disc Brake Services and Repairs:

  • Disc brake rotors and pads
  • Calipers and hardware

 

Drum Brake Services and Repairs:

  • Brake drums and shoes
  • Wheel cylinders
  • Return springs

Hydraulic System Services and Repairs:

  • Master cylinder
  • Brake fluid and hoses
  • Power booster

Parking Brake Service and Repairs:

  • Cables

 
 

Did you know that your car, truck or SUV’s brake system is a complex blend of over 10 decades of technological innovation? Brake service has also evolved and progressed over time. Brake systems do vary from vehicle to vehicle but the same core functions remain the same, disc brakes in the front and either disk brakes or drum brakes in the back of the vehicle. Brakes are connected by a series of tubes and hoses and your brakes link to each wheel and to the master cylinder, which then supply the brakes with brake fluid.

Now that we have the two major types of brakes down, we can summarize all of your braking equipment into two major categories, Hydraulics and Friction Material.

Hydraulics Braking Equipment

Here is a index of the major parts that make up your braking system

Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is like a pressure converter. When you press down on the brake pedal (physical pressure), the master cylinder converts this to hydraulic pressure, and brake fluid moves into the wheel brakes.

 

Brake Lines and Hoses

Brake lines hoses deliver pressurized brake fluid to the braking unit(s) at each wheel.

 
 
 
 

Wheel Cylinders and Calipers

Wheel Cylinders surrounded by two rubber-sealed pistons connect the piston with the brake shoe. Push the brakes and the pistons stop and the shoes pushes into the drum. Calipers squeeze brake pads onto the rotor to stop your car. Both components apply pressure to friction materials.

Friction Materials

Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes:

How do the disc brake pads and drum brake shoes work? A disc brake will use fluid (released by the master cylinder) to force pressure into the brake calipers, where it presses against a piston. Now, the piston squeezes the two brake pads against the rotor, forcing it to stop. The Brake shoes consist of a steel shoe with friction material bonded to it.

Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes:

Now, when you apply pressure on the brake pedal, you are triggering the release of brake fluid into the system of tubes and hoses, which travel to the braking unit at each individual wheel. You actually push against a plunger in the master cylinder, releasing fluid. Brake fluid simply cannot be compressed. It moves through the network of tubes and hoses in the exact same motion and pressure that initiated it. When it comes to stopping a heavy steel machine at high speed, this consistency is an absolutely crucial element. The performance of your brakes can be affected when air gets into the fluid; since air can compress, it creates sponginess in the pedal, which disrupts consistency, and results in bad braking efficiency. “Bleeder screws” (located at each wheel cylinder) remove unwanted air in your system.

A car without functioning brakes is dangerous. In many cases, warning signs will tell you if your car’s brakes may need service.

Warning signs include:

  • Squealing or grinding noises when using brakes. This could mean your brakes need to be adjusted or that your brake pads are worn and need replacement.
  • Your dashboard’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light turns on. This indicates that your brake fluid is low. You may have a leak in your brake line. Get it inspected.
  • While braking, your car pulls to one side. This means that your brakes need adjustment, there is brake fluid leakage, or your brakes are worn out and need replacement.
  • Your brakes are hard to press down or feel “spongy.” Usually this means air has gotten into your brake lines or you may have low brake fluid.
  • When applying your brakes, your steering wheel, brake pedal, or entire vehicle begins to shake. If this happens, your brake rotors could be warped and need replacement.

When you notice any brake warning signs, contact our professional staff by phone, or email, immediately and we’ll take care of it.

Ask about our monthly brake service specials, mention this website page and the promo code: “BRAKE4YOU”