Brakes Archives - Page 8 of 8 - Import Car
Mazda: Performing Regular Undercar Maintenance

Brake and suspension problems will surface in a couple of ways, the most common of which are noise-related. The suspension noise will generally be a knocking sound as the car is driven over bumps, or a noise when the steering wheel is turned. With the brakes, you’ll be hearing noise issues that range from an occasional squeak to a constant grinding noise.

New strut damaged rotor
2000 Toyota Land Cruiser Brake Assist: Diagnosing Low And Hard Brake Pedals

Brake pedal assist complaints are often subjective in nature and, for that reason, can be difficult to solve. I was recently involved in a mobile diagnostic case involving a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser that, unlike most vehicle applications, uses its anti-lock braking pump and accumulator to provide brake pedal assist for normal braking. The Land Cruiser’s brake assist (BA) system can also interface with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC) system, if so equipped.

brake-assist-featured
Honda Element Brake Job

Make sure that the caliper pins are installed correctly. The upper caliper pin and the lower caliper pin are different. Installing these caliper pins in the wrong location will cause vibration and uneven or rapid brake pad wear. All model years use springs that push the pad away from the rotor. These springs reduce noise as well as ­improve fuel economy.

Brake Job: 2005-’11 Volkswagen Jetta A5

The rear pads and rotors will typically wear out faster than the front brakes. The Volkswagens of this generation have electronic brake distribution, and under normal stopping conditions, the system will use the rear brakes more than the front. This prevents nosedive and makes for a more pleasant braking event.

Volkswagen Jetta brakes
Kia: Uncovering Unperformed Maintenance

While some vehicle problems will motivate the customer to make an appointment, an equal amount of Kia repair opportunities will be discovered as the vehicle is being serviced. If you’re not already doing so, always encourage your customers to keep their vehicle maintenance up to date. And, just as important, let them know your techs are

Kia Maintenance Service