Free Tips on How to Clean Your ABS Wheel Sensor - Get Better Braking System

Does your ABS light come on consistently and you do not know what is wrong! Well, when you check your code, you may see that it says that your front wheel sensor is damaged. However, that is not always the case. A lot of times, your ABS wheel sensor is just fine; they just need to be cleaned. Of course, if you take it to a shop, they are going to tell you that you need a new one. So we are going to go over how you can clean your own ABS wheel sensor in your Toyota and save yourself a lot of money. After you clean it, if you are still having the problem, you will need a new one. However, most people have noted that nine times out of ten, this does indeed fix their problem.
First of all, before you get started, you are going to want to make sure you have everything that you need to perform the job. The only things that you are really going to need are a ratchet, jack, wheel lock and, of course, a rag or paper towel to clean it off with. After you have all of this stuff, you can feel free to get started. This should only take you an hour or two to do yourself.



Getting Started On Your Wheel Sensor
First, you have to choose which side you want to get started on. You can choose either the passenger side or the driver side; it does not really matter. However, whichever side you do choose, that is the side that you, of course, need to jack up first. Before you jack up the car, you need to turn the steering wheel to the opposite side that you are working on. For example, if you are working on the driver side, then you are going to want to turn the wheel to the passenger side. Also, when you get it jacked up. You should use a jack stand, not just the jack. You never know how long you will need to have this car jacked up, so you will want the jack stand.
After you turn the wheel and get everything all set up, you will notice that you should be able to locate the ABS wheel sensor very easily. It should be located directly mounted to the knuckle. To take this off, you are going to have to remove the two bolts that are holding them in place. In most Toyota cars, they are 10mm bolts. However, some of them can change from time to time. Overall, there will be about four bolts you have to take out. To do this, just follow the ABS sensor around so that you can remove all of the bolts. When you get the sensor off, you will notice that it is all covered in dirt. Take your rag or paper towel, and start whipping it off. As you do, you will notice that the very middle of it has a sliver strip that you could not see before. A lot of times, dirt blocks this and can cause problems, as you found out. After cleaning it, simply reverse the steps you did to reinstall it. Also, be sure to check both of the front ABS sensors. The one on both sides of the car!
Still Having Problems
Most of the time the procedure discussed above will fix any problem that you are having with your ABS sensor. If you have cleaned both of the front sensors and there are still problems, then you do have a damaged ABS sensor. At this point, you need to get new ones and replace them. If you want, you will be able to install them the same way you cleaned the other ones. However, instead of cleaning the old ones and putting them back on, you can simply put on the new ones. Overall, this is a one day job that can save you a ton of money. Most people do not notice how much money that they can save by doing this themselves until they actually do it!

Free Guides on Brakes Shake - Machine the Rotors Or Replace Them?

If the steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied, the brake rotors most likely have excessive side to side run-out or they are more commonly known as being warped. Auto techs call this brake shake or brake pulsation. Brake rotors being warped is not a dangerous condition by itself, but it can be very annoying. The brake pads may not need to be replaced, but if they are more than half worn it would be a good time to consider replacing them. Most shops will check brakes for free, it's best to make sure they use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the rotors to verify if they are legally able to be machined (also known as turned or resurfaced).
Replace or not.



Many vehicles today have very thin rotors from the factory, depending on the thickness there may not be an option to machine them. Many replacement rotors are low priced depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may be a good idea to replace the rotors if the replacements are priced well, instead of machining the old ones. After machining the rotors they are physically thinner and more susceptible to being warped again. In the past I owned a vehicle that warped rotors frequently. I would machine them myself using the brake lathe at the shop I worked at and the rotors would warp again in about six months time. I finally bought some aftermarket replacement rotors for around $30 a piece and put those on and never had anymore pulsation problems.
Types of Brake Lathes. There are two types of brake lathes. There is the conventional brake lathe that the technician uses to machine the rotor off the vehicle. And there is the on the car brake lathe used to machine the brake rotor on the vehicle. The best way to machine brake rotors is on the car. The reason is because of the possibility of other components having run-out. When rotors are machined on the car, any run-out in the wheel hub is compensated for. The result is a much better cut that allows the rotor to be machined much more precisely. Rotors that are machined on the vehicle have less re-occurrences of being warped as quickly when compared to rotors being machined off the vehicle. So if possible consumers should opt to find a repair shop that has the capability to machine rotors on the car if needed. Auto repair shops that have on the car brake lathes realize the importance of having the right auto tools and equipment to service their customer's cars properly.

Free Tips on How to Replace Brake Pads

Brake pads naturally wear out over time. Luckily, it is not as difficult to replace them as you may think. The tools that you need for this project include a lug wrench, c-clamp, adjustable or open wrench, Allen wrenches, hammer, and a bungee cord. When you jack up your car, make sure that you have it supported by blocks or jack stands. It is never safe to work on a car that is supported by a jack only. The first thing you need to do is remove the wheel. The lugs should be easy to take out, it is best to do so from the bottom up.

Next, in order to remove the brake pads you must first remove the brake caliper. The brake caliper can be located just above the lug bolts, sitting on top of the brake disc. There is a bolt that keeps the caliper in place. You can remove it easily using the suitable wrench. There are different types of bolts that could be keeping it in place, so it is a good idea to have different wrenches handy. Now you can pull the caliper off by pulling directly up. You may need to wiggle it a bit in order to loosen it. Now you can sit the caliper some place convenient, or use your bungee cord to tie it up.
Now comes the time to remove the brake pads. They should actually slide right out without giving you any trouble. Remember how they are attached though, because you will need to know this when you are installing the fresh ones. If you are driving an older vehicle, you may need to tap them with your hammer a bit to get them unstuck. There may be some small metal tabs keeping the pads in place as well. If so, make sure you hang onto them; you will need them when you put the new pads in.
Now you can easily slide your new brake pads in, using the metal tabs to keep them in place if applicable. Now with your new pads affixed, you should adjust the brake piston. This piece of equipment adjusts as your pads wear out in order to keep your brakes working efficiently. To readjust it, you need your c-clamp. Put the end of the clamp with the screw against the piston. The other end should rest behind the caliper assembly. Now just slowly tighten the clamp until the piston has moved to a point where you can insert the pads easily.
The next thing you need to do is slide the caliper assembly over your new pads. Replace the bolts. At this point, it is a good idea to push down the brake petal a few times so that you may be assured of your brake pressure. Now you can replace the wheel and the lug nuts. It is a good idea to make sure that the lug nuts are truly secure. At this point you have successfully changed the brake pads on your car.

Free Guides on Keeping The Brakes Reliable

Being on a freeway can be tough. You have to act as though you're in one of those fast car movies that don't seem to notice that there is a steep cliff ahead. It has become a race. The first one to pass it goes home early. But what if you are hurrying and doing a hundred on the freeway when suddenly, you notice a very important part of your driving aspect is missing. You freak out knowing that your breaks aren't working. Worst part is, you see traffic up ahead. Is this it for you?This is something you don't want to experience.



If you ask anyone that owns a car, the most important thing to do before driving off somewhere is always checking the credibility of your brakes. You have to inspect the brake rotors, pads, and be sure that you have enough brake fluid to withstand tough rush hours.The good thing about vehicles today is that drivers can now check the level of their brake fluid or the status of it without even opening the lid. This reservoir is located at the side of the driver just behind the engine bay. The moment you have spotted the reservoir, you have to replace your brake fluid.Once you find out that your fluid is low, don't fret because you can fill it up in no time following some simple instructions.Before opening the cap, remove foreign materials surrounding it. Better yet, wipe it clean.
Use a rag or a piece of cloth that you have never used for anything else. You have to realize that your brake system is sensitive enough that when it catches a foreign material inside it, this would cause your engine some trouble. Better clean than sorry.The moment you take off the cap, slowly pour the brake fluid into the reservoir till it rises to the desired level. Do not let it overflow. Replace the cap and wipe off smudges or spills. Do this process whenever you notice that the brake fluid is becoming low. The checking of the pads and rotors must be done every other day before going someplace. You have to remember not to shake the bottle of fluid before dipping it into your car. Bubbles can cause a few problems. Now that you're done, have a safe trip!

Types and Styles of Brake Lathe Repair Systems

Replacing drums, rotors, and other sections of the braking system can be an expensive venture. One of the best ways to lower this cost is by doing a brake lathe repair that resurfaces these items to restore their effectiveness. Brake lathe parts and machines are available that can repair all different styles and fix a variety of problems, including sticking and noise. Whether you are an at-home mechanic or working in a professional repair shop, these systems allow you to achieve the highest quality repair. Many different styles and models exist to help you reach this goal.
Bench Brake Lathe Repair Systems

Bench type models require you to remove the drums and rotors from the vehicle in order to repair them. These are commonly found in private and commercial settings. To use these systems, you only have to set the part into the machine and start the cutting process. With a high quality machine and practice, you can produce parts that are equivalent or even better quality than the original piece. The brake lathe parts, known as adapters and mounting cones, determine the majority of the quality. If you are looking for the best quality, these are the brake lathe parts that you want to be careful about selecting. If they begin to wear, replace them immediately.
With bench units, you have the option of single, variable, or high-speed styles. Digital measuring and printouts are another great option for achieving the best possible results. Some of these repair machines are designed specifically for rotors or drums. Other units can repair both, which is a huge advantage over the second type known as an on-car system.
On-Car Brake Lathes
A great addition to bench styles is on-car brake lathe repair systems because they allow the work to be performed directly on the car. One of the biggest benefits to this style is that there is no risk of wrecking the hub or wheel bearings because all of those parts can be left in place. They are also known for their ability to reduce the risk of runout on the rotor and uneven surfaces.
This type of system attaches in one of two ways. One style, called a caliper mount, attaches directly to the knuckle where the caliper mounts. On the down side, it requires some movement in the wheel bearing which means you may need to tighten adjustable styles. A hub-mounted style is also available. It can produce the same level of quality, but has similar issues to caliper-mount versions.
The biggest downfall of both brake lathe repair systems is that they need to be set up perfectly in order to get a high quality repair. Standard models are made with either a one or a three-point system with a dial to help you define the perfect setup. To help eliminate this problem, some have brake lathe parts, such as a computer system, to set up the equipment accurately with very little effort.

Christine O'Kelly writes for the leading brake lathe repair company

Free Tips on How to Taking Care of Mercedes-Benz Brake System

The Mercedes master cylinder that is usually used for Mercedes vehicles are manufactured by Girling, ATE, and Bendix. These master cylinders utilized two or three-chamber reservoirs, a level sensor contact built into each chamber. In times when brake fluid level is low or when there is pressure differential between two brake circuits caused by loss of fluid in either circuit, a warning light is activated.

The series 190, 420, and 500 make use of floating type front disc brake calipers while the other Benz models especially those with parking brakes and are cable actuated in rear brake rotor calipers utilizes non-floating type. All Mercedes cars have brake pad wear indicators and differential pressure warning indicator. The 420 and 500 series have inner pads only while the Anti-Lock Brake System is offered as a standard feature on the 420SEL, 300 and 560 series and optional for the 190 series. For the diesel models a vacuum pump is incorporated to provide vacuum to the power brake unit. Adjusting Pedal Height The height of the pedal measured from pedal pad to pedal stop should be 150mm.

To get the correct pedal height adjust the loosen lock nuts and turn stop light switch afterwards tighten lock nuts and pedal free play 5-15 mm. Above the brake pedal is the stoplight switch, loosen lock nuts and adjust switch in such a way that the contact button extends 6-8mm and then afterwards tighten lock nuts.

Parking Brake

1. Before raising the vehicle it is best to remove only one lug bolt at each rear wheel.

2. Try to rotate wheel until lug bolt hole is positioned over parking brake adjuster at an angle of 45 degrees forward for diagonal swing axle and 90 degrees forward for diagonal swing axle with starting torque compensation. And remember that parking brake must be adjusted if the brake pedal can be depressed by more than 2 steps of 6 without any braking effect. Try not to try to alter screw on parking brake intermediate lever since these screws are for balancing cable lengths only.

3. using a screwdriver inserted through the lug bolt hole, hand turn the adjuster until rear wheel can no longer be turned, back off the adjuster until it can be turned without the dragging the wheel.

Checking the Brake Warning Light

1. On the dash is mounted a dual warning light, try to turn the ignition on. Normally you will see a light glowing once parking brake lever is pulled tone notch and goes off when brake lever is full released.

2. To test the circuit warning sensor, again turn on the ignition, release the parking brake and make sure that the light is off. Open the bleeder screw on one wheel and depress brake pedal and the light should light up.

3. Close the bleeder screw, refill the brake fluid and bleed system. Make sure also that light goes out after testing and if the light didn’t turn off then the differential pressure pin of the Mercedes brake master cylinder should be reset.

Volvo Improves Braking Functions

To increaseroad safety, Volvo, a world-leading Swedish auto manufacturer, improves its braking functions for the European market. If customers choose a Volvo truck with electronically controlled Brake System (EBS) in base form, more functions are incorporated to it without the burden of paying extra cost. Among the additional features now made available by the automaker are Hill Start Aid that prevents the truck from rolling backward when starting on an uphill gradient, and Wheel Brake Monitoring that alerts the driver if the brake force on the wheels abruptly falls.

The EBS system incorporated in Volvo trucks can be ordered in 3 program packages: Standard, Medium and High. The Standard package remains in the base version. Moreover, the Medium version is already equipped with the EBS system. Moreover, the base version has been upgraded with six new functions, available for both semi-trailers and rigids.
Power bleed Volvo brakes are now upgraded to boost safety in driving. "We are now providing our customers with an extremely high safety level as standard, no matter the type of truck they order," said Lars-Göran Löwenadler, safety director at Volvo Trucks. "This is entirely in line with our constant determination to increase safety for drivers and other road-users alike."
EBS system has a number of sensors and valves to monitor and regulate the braking system of the vehicle. Additionally, it is possible now for the wheel and auxiliary brakes to interact with in just a short span of time to effectuate shortest viable braking distance in all sorts of driving situations. The braking force is also distributed optimally between the tractor and trailer. This is done to sustain stability even when braking.
The base range of Volvo trucks is now equipped with 6 functions. The first function is Hill Start Aid, which makes it easier to move off on an uphill gradient by automatically maintaining brake pressure until the engine has built up sufficient torque to move the truck forward without slipping backward. This feature is significant when hauling a heavy load.
Another significant function is the Panic Brake Assistance, which is designed to boost brake pressure in a panic braking situation. The system registers when the driver presses the brake pedal quickly to help cut the stopping distance. Other functions include the Wheel Brake Monitoring, Lining Wear Analysis, and Differential
Lock Control. These functions contribute significantly to improve road safety in driving.

Learning About Brakes

More than acceleration, the other important thing that one's car must be able to do is to stop when necessary. This is a very essential element for something as big and fast as a moving car. Knowing that the driver can control his car by stopping it fosters a safer environment for everybody on the road. Hence, car brakes are more than ever utilized to secure the occupants of the vehicle. The smart driver must ensure the efficiency of his car brakes, especially if he is not driving a Mazda. With the Japanese heritage of ingenuity, it is easy to say that the Mazda Brakes are failsafe.
Depressing on the brake pedal is actually a process of transmitting the force from the foot to the brakes through a fluid. But since the actual brakes require a much greater force than one could apply with his leg, the car must also multiply the force of the foot. This happens through Mechanical Advantage and the Hydraulic Force Multiplication. Next, the brakes will transmit the force to the tires using friction, while the tires transmit that force on the road through friction as well. Like the rest of the Mazda Brake parts, the Mazda Brakes are able to pull this kind of stunt because their components are made of the most durable materials that were gathered through the latest technology.

Going deeper into the Mazda Brakes, one should note that the brake cylinder's diameter is thrice the pedal cylinder's diameter. The force is further multiplied by nine. In short, the force of the foot is increased to 36. As such, if 10 pounds of force is exerted on the pedal, then the wheel squeezing the brake pads will yield 360 pounds.
However, this simple system poses a few problems. One is what happens if it leaks. Leaks usually work slowly, so eventually there will not be enough fluid left to fill the brake cylinder, preventing the brakes from functioning properly. In case of a major leak, all of the fluid will squirt out the leak the first time one uses the brakes. This will cause a complete brake failure. So one must take good care of his car brakes, just like how the car brakes would take good care of him.

Learning About Brakes

More than acceleration, the other important thing that one's car must be able to do is to stop when necessary. This is a very essential element for something as big and fast as a moving car. Knowing that the driver can control his car by stopping it fosters a safer environment for everybody on the road. Hence, car brakes are more than ever utilized to secure the occupants of the vehicle. The smart driver must ensure the efficiency of his car brakes, especially if he is not driving a Mazda. With the Japanese heritage of ingenuity, it is easy to say that the Mazda Brakes are failsafe.
Depressing on the brake pedal is actually a process of transmitting the force from the foot to the brakes through a fluid. But since the actual brakes require a much greater force than one could apply with his leg, the car must also multiply the force of the foot. This happens through Mechanical Advantage and the Hydraulic Force Multiplication. Next, the brakes will transmit the force to the tires using friction, while the tires transmit that force on the road through friction as well. Like the rest of the Mazda Brake parts, the Mazda Brakes are able to pull this kind of stunt because their components are made of the most durable materials that were gathered through the latest technology.



Going deeper into the Mazda Brakes, one should note that the brake cylinder's diameter is thrice the pedal cylinder's diameter. The force is further multiplied by nine. In short, the force of the foot is increased to 36. As such, if 10 pounds of force is exerted on the pedal, then the wheel squeezing the brake pads will yield 360 pounds.
However, this simple system poses a few problems. One is what happens if it leaks. Leaks usually work slowly, so eventually there will not be enough fluid left to fill the brake cylinder, preventing the brakes from functioning properly. In case of a major leak, all of the fluid will squirt out the leak the first time one uses the brakes. This will cause a complete brake failure. So one must take good care of his car brakes, just like how the car brakes would take good care of him.

Do Your Vehicle Brakes Squeal?

Does your vehicle squeal when you apply the brakes? This could be the sound of your "chirper", a signaling device built into the system to warn you of worn brake pads. A squealing or grinding noise also is characteristic of the new, semi-metallic friction material used on brake pads and linings. This material replaces the hazardous asbestos previously used.
Brake performance on vehicles of recent years is significantly improved, as is the service life of braking system parts. Unfortunately consumer attitude toward preventive maintenance has not kept pace with technology. A national consumer survey showed vehicle neglect is on the rise even though nearly half of motorists ranked brake failure as their number one fear among driving emergencies.

The USGAO reports that states without vehicle safety inspection programs had accident rates 16% higher than those with some inspection program.
Whether or not your vehicle's brakes are inspected periodically, be aware of the signs of brake trouble and take corrective measures at once.
Listen for unusual noises when brakes are applied. To hear properly, try applying brakes at slow speeds with windows down.
Brake work performed on time saves money as well as lives. Some owners, to squeeze more miles out of their worn brake pads, have been known to disable the "chirper". This is a terrible case of false economy. In addition to affecting your safety driving, metal-to-metal wear of rotors or drums adds hundreds of dollars to a brake system overhaul.

If brake fluid needs filling frequently, correct the leak.
If vehicle pulls to one side, if the brakes shudder or if the pedal pulsates, have a repair shop check out the trouble.
If the pedal fades, feels spongey or falls to the floor under steady foot pressure, take the vehicle in for service.
Invest in the best quality brake work you can obtain. You do care about yourself and those you transport don't you?

A Car Brake Repair Primer

The security of your car is vital, whether it is a Mercedes or a Mazda – even the safest vehicle on earth can have brake failure. If your car’s brakes don’t work properly, the consequences could be fatal. Thus, the brakes are probably the most important part of your vehicle. Car brake repair knowledge is always good to have because you never know if or when your car’s brake system will let you down. If this happens while you’re driving let’s say in the desert, miles away from the nearest garage, you should be able to
Perform a brake inspection and troubleshoot the problem
Know what it takes to do a car brakes repair
If possible, do the fix yourself
If not, be able to describe the problem to someone who is able to repair your automobile brakes.
To become able to perform the work listed above, the first thing you need to know is how a car’s brake system works.
A drum system is utilizing hydraulic pressure to press a pad against a brake drum to slow down the speed of the vehicle. Here is how it works:
press the brake pedal
the piston in the master cylinder sends pressure via the brake lines held by the brake shoe to the wheel cylinders inside the brake drum
the friction caused by the shoe pressed against the drum is stopping the wheel from turning
A brake drum is a flat-topped and heavy cylinder, that you normally find somewhere between the wheel rim and the drive wheel. When you press the brake pedal, the friction material held by the brake shoes is pressed against the brake drum. This will slow the rotation of the wheels. A wheel cylinder contains pistons utilizing hydraulic power from the master cylinder to force the brake pads against the brake drum.
Another brake system, called disk brake system is using hydraulic pressure to press a pad against the rotor. This way it slows down the vehicle. Here is how it works:
press the brake pedal
the piston in the master cylinder is activated and sends pressure via the brake lines to the calliper
when the pad makes contact with the rotor, friction is created and this stops the wheel from turning
A rotor is nothing but a circular plate that is gripped by the brake pads for slowing down the vehicle. A brake pad is a pad made of friction material. When pressed against the rotor it stops the wheel from turning. This pad is held by the calliper, which straddles the rotor by using hydraulic pressure from the brake lines. With help from internal pistons it forces the brake pads against the rotors.

Performing this process, the breaking system needs brake fluid. The master cylinder provides this by distributing the brake fluid under pressure, to the entire breaking system of your vehicle.
The description above gives you the knowledge of how two different car brake systems work. These are the first things you need to know when troubleshooting and fixing any problems regarding your vehicle’s brakes. Brake problems can occur in a Cadillac, a VW or even in the safest vehicle brand. There are plenty free resources online which give you step by step instructions on fixing any brake problems that your vehicle may incur. I recommend that you go online and do a search for ‘car auto brake repair’. You’ll be amazed of the list of brake fix resources that will appear within seconds.

Apply Brakes to Car Theft

India ranks the highest in vehicle theft rates with one car being stolen every minute. These stolen vehicles are usually sold out to stolen car dealers who further change the identifications and resell the car in low price. It has become a lucrative business opportunity in the country.
In India, the stolen vehicle market is estimated to be 1,000 crore in India with Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore reporting the highest incidences of theft. According to National Crime Records Bureau, Maharashtra topped the theft rate. The number of car theft incidences in Delhi was reported to be 4337 in 1999, 4225 in 2000 and almost over 5789 in 2007. Total numbers of more than 40,000 cars, costing about 160 crore, are stolen every year in the country. Some of the lost cars have also been traced by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The proportion of stolen cars is more in case of old cars as compared to brand new cars. This is because it’s easy to mold the basic features and accessories of the old cars. New cars have smooth finish and excellent appeal. With such a good finish, it becomes difficult to sell the car in the stolen car market. Selling a brand new car at a comparatively low price creates uneasiness among the car consumers. For them it’s really hard to believe the low-cost availability of new cars.
Even the insurance companies are taking benefits of the increasing numbers of car theft . These companies have raised their insurance premiums in answer to car theft cases. Here too car buyers are facing a tough time.
As the number keeps on growing, in 2007, the government made it compulsory for al car owners to equip anti-theft devices in their cars. Still, various measures and steps have to be taken by the car owners to reduce such incidences. Till the car owners themselves don’t participate in the war against car theft, the government, transport authorities and crime branch can do nothing.
Every car owner is not lucky to have his or her car traced. So, it is important to take some preventive measures and give a blow to car thieves. Outfitting the car with anti-theft devices is one of the best ways to reduce the theft cases. Today a wide range of such devices are available including the steering lock, tyre lock, car alarms, gearshift locks, electronic key and many more. These anti theft devices are not foolproof but they definitely help to deter car thieves and slow down their stealing process. Many anti-theft devices are also help to protect car burglaries and vandalism.
So, try to install at least some of the most effective anti-theft devices, this will help the crime branch functional to catch hold of car thieves. Eventually, the associative work will slow down the number of car theft cases.

Steering wheel shakes

If the steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied, the brake rotors most likely have excessive side to side run-out or they are more commonly known as being warped. Auto techs call this brake shake or brake pulsation. Brake rotors being warped is not a dangerous condition by itself, but it can be very annoying. The brake pads may not need to be replaced, but if they are more than half worn it would be a good time to consider replacing them. Most shops will check brakes for free, it's best to make sure they use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the rotors to verify if they are legally able to be machined (also known as turned or resurfaced).
Replace or not. Many vehicles today have very thin rotors from the factory, depending on the thickness there may not be an option to machine them. Many replacement rotors are low priced depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may be a good idea to replace the rotors if the replacements are priced well, instead of machining the old ones. After machining the rotors they are physically thinner and more susceptible to being warped again. In the past I owned a vehicle that warped rotors frequently. I would machine them myself using the brake lathe at the shop I worked at and the rotors would warp again in about six months time. I finally bought some aftermarket replacement rotors for around $30 a piece and put those on and never had anymore pulsation problems.

Types of Brake Lathes. There are two types of brake lathes. There is the conventional brake lathe that the technician uses to machine the rotor off the vehicle. And there is the on the car brake lathe used to machine the brake rotor on the vehicle. The best way to machine brake rotors is on the car. The reason is because of the possibility of other components having run-out. When rotors are machined on the car, any run-out in the wheel hub is compensated for. The result is a much better cut that allows the rotor to be machined much more precisely. Rotors that are machined on the vehicle have less re-occurrences of being warped as quickly when compared to rotors being machined off the vehicle. So if possible consumers should opt to find a repair shop that has the capability to machine rotors on the car if needed. Auto repair shops that have on the car brake lathes realize the importance of having the right auto tools and equipment to service their customer's cars properly.
About the Author - Hi I'm Dennis Bandy, thanks for reading about my background. I've been an ASE Master Auto Technician for over 23 years and have also sold professional auto tools since 2005. I am in a unique position to help readers on certain automotive repair related topics since I've had personal hands on experience with many auto repairs and automotive specialty tools. Let me just say, this is not a hobby for me, this is my business. Your feedback is really appreciated, if you thought this article was helpful or informative, please rate it below (thank you in advance).
Half the battle when it comes to auto repair is having the right tools, that's why we have supplied name-brand automotive tools (like OTC, Makita, Ingersoll), shop supplies and automotive shop equipment at discount prices, at DenLors Tools since 2005, many readers put us on their favorites list and visit our site when auto specialty tool needs arise, we hope you do the same.

Its Time to Replace Brake Pads

If your car's brake pads are worn out, you could find it difficult to bring your car to a complete stop. How dangerous that can be if you encounter an emergency situation!
Fortunately, there are some clear signs of impending brake trouble including the following:
Squealing brakes
Grinding brakes
Brake pedal that needs to be pumped in order to stop the car
Pulling of the car from one side to the other
Wheel grabbing
Sudden and hard brake pedal
Spongy brake pedals

Though some of these problems may require that you replace other brake components, an inspection of your brake pads will usually reveal that they are worn and are in need of prompt replacement.
The next step you take depends on your skillsets, time available, and your budget. Most automotive garages offer a free brake inspection which can be a perfect opportunity for you to have someone else inspect your system to confirm what you suspect is wrong with your car.
Ask your mechanic for a full diagnosis of your brake system and get a written estimate of what parts and repairs will cost you. A professional garage will give you a print out showing an estimate of what your costs will be. Include local taxes and the price quoted should be about 95% of the final cost, excluding unforeseen additional problems being detected [for example, a leaking master cylinder].
If you are confident that you can do the work yourself, you could save yourself plenty of money, at least in labor costs. You can also save money with parts by shopping around, but expect to pay the highest prices at your dealer's parts department. On the other hand, prices at a national auto parts supply store should be lower, while prices through an online wholesaler should be about the lowest of all as they purchase their inventory directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middle man.
Should you choose to purchase online, only obtain parts from a reputable dealer selling parts from respected manufacturers. Be careful of those sites selling generic parts from unknown overseas merchants. Make sure that you can return what you purchase, if needed, to an address based in the U.S.

How Often Do I Change My Brakes? How Do I Know If I Need a Brake Job?

One of the most important factors to the safety of any car's passenger is the brakes. There is a questions that always surfaces when talking about car brakes. How often do I change my brakes, and how do I know that I really need a brake job on my car. Hence, if you were to leave this article with one piece of information, it is that you should never fall for the misleading advertisements that sets a fixed price for brake jobs, simply because these ads promote the lowest price a shop can accomplish the job at. In order to perform a diagnosis to determine if you need a brake job or not, you need to look for braking problems such as vibration, grabbing, and pulling. You also need to watch for low or soft pedal, and abnormal noises.
First and foremost, you should be aware that there is no set mileage intervals that suggests the necessity of new brake pads. It is also difficult to predetermine the odometer reading at which the brakes need to be relined. This is due to the fact that wear on the brake pads depend on various factors, most importantly the braking habits of the driver.
Furthermore, the braking systems are designed differently on each car, which also plays a big role in the uncertainty of brake change intervals. I have personally seen a set of identical brake pads being installed on 2 identical cars, one which lasted for 50,000 miles, and the other lasted 70,000. when interviewing the drivers of both cars, the 70,000 was mostly highway driving, and the 40,000 was driven mostly in stop-and-go city traffic. But the general rule of thumb is that, the front brakes wear out faster the the rear brakes because the front pads handle a higher percentage of the breaking load.

Healthy Brakes: Top 3 DIY Tips

What's the point in driving if you can't reach your destination, alive! And for the most part it's your car's brakes that ensure your safety throughout a journey. The best part about ensuring a fully functional braking system is that you can yourself run some quick checks to see whether it needs your attention or not.

And that's not all, you can even carry out some of the repairs yourself. The following three tips should help you keep your car's braking system happy, and you and your passengers safe.
1. Brake Fluid: The system's Lifeblood
The key here is to have the right levels of brake fluids in the reservoir. It's a lot more easier these days to check the fluid levels, as most of the brake fluid reservoirs are see through and have markings on them to show the levels.
To check the fluid level, lift open the hood and locate the reservoir. You'd find it at the back of the engine bay and in front of the driver's side. It's positioned high up for easy access.
Once you're there, check the markings, wipe the dust off the reservoir if you can't see clearly. If it needs replacement then here's how you should go about topping it up.
A. Clean any grime or dust from around the reservoir cap before opening it.
B. Pour in the fluid slowly, allowing it time to settle.
C. Close the cap and you're done.
However, it's a good idea to check the level again after a day just to make sure that there isn't a void after the air bubbles have escaped. Also don't take point “A” lightly, as any impurity that falls into the reservoir could harm the system.
2. Brake Pads: The systems cutting edge
While in some automobiles you'd need to remove the wheels, in others you can carry out the inspection without it. However the important thing is to get a clear view of the pads.
To make an assessment, follow surface of the disc towards the top, and you should see that the outer pad is touches the disc, of the disc brakes. Over time the pads do wear, but if they've worn to the breadth of two pennies stacked atop each other, it's high time you replaced them.
3. Brake Disc: Too critical to lose
To run an assessment of the brake disk you'd need to take a look just like you did with the pads. Run your eyes from the center to the outside edges of the disc and it should appear to be shiny. Minor lines and scratches are hardly a thing to bat an eyelid, but any rough areas or deeper grooves should certainly raise a big red flag. Replace them ASAP, and in pairs.
You'd need to run these checks just a few times each year.
If you have your car's braking system in order you wouldn't ever put yourself in danger, unnecessarily.

Brake Service

Brake Services are a must in ensuring safety of automobiles especially its passengers.
Vehicular accidents are a leading cause of death in many countries around the globe. Such can be attributed to various reasons; however, majority of the cases is due to poor maintenance of the vehicle. More particularly, brake systems often fail to serve its main purpose because those behind the wheel forgot to check them before actually traveling. As a responsible owner and driver, you must always put into thought that it is not only you who will be suffering from severe damages, but your passengers as well. Especially if you run a business that involves automobiles, heavy machineries or one that offers transportation service to the general public, safety should be your number one priority.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several brake systems that works for each kind. Before visiting the nearest auto shop, identifying what system is installed in your car would help you scout for the most appropriate brake service. In addition, determining this fact will lead to you establishments which can provide you with necessary tools and technical know-how for you to maintain the quality of your brake system. All drivers depend on the braking system in their vehicles as this is crucial to the law of survival. Aside from knowing what kind of system is in your car, familiarity with what actually compromise the machinery is a requirement. This shall enable a driver to troubleshoot simple mechanical problems that may arise while on the road.
Technological advancement has given us a wider range of automobiles to choose from. Therefore, the development of various types of brake systems was inevitable to keep up with the fast-changing demands of each vehicle type. Among the many available in the market, the most commonly used for high-powered, heavy equipments are the hydraulic brake mechanism and the air brake system. From the word itself hydraulic brakes makes use of hydraulic brake fluids forced into particular pistons which then are expected to reach cylinders connected to the wheels. Similar components in this kind of contraption must likewise be inspected for damages other than the normal ones you encounter. On the other hand, the air brake system operates with compressed air found in pistons within master cylinders. Programmed systems were later incorporated in the regular air brake mechanisms since damage to car parts became a reason for vehicular accidents during the time when air brake systems were kept under control by train engineers.
If you were in the transport business, having a well-maintained automotive brake system would suggest safety and security of services to your clientele. Hence, the returns should be better compared to competitors in the industry. A regular visit to your choice of dealer is a must if you’d like to save on your hard-earned money. Especially if you operate heavy machineries, only the best brake system dealers are to be considered. However, finding one on a short notice is quite difficult as most of these companies encourage scheduled check-up of vehicles. So unless you are willing to compromise on this rule, you better make sure that your brake system parts are working just as they should be. For repairs and other services, ask friends and family for their recommendations. They should be able to give you at least one particular dealer which provides the service you need. Otherwise, surf the net for some but be careful because almost, if not all, claim to be the best at what they do. Consider also your location, schedule and of course, your budget. Whenever replacing parts of your brake system, it is best to go for performance rather than cost. Majority will generally look for cheaper parts versus more expensive ones but in turn they are sacrificing the level of safety of their vehicles.