Braking system failure: causes, symptoms, and troubleshooting

The braking system helps to reduce the motion of a car by absorbing the energy or converting the kinetic energy into heat. Such a key system needs special attention to work efficiently without any major mechanical malfunctions. Whenever you find strange signs related to a faulty braking system, the root cause of the appearance of such a sign should be identified and repaired. Neglecting such warning signs and driving a car with a problematic braking system is not a good idea as such an inefficient braking system might not be able to reduce the motion of a car in time which could lead to a fatal accident.

Drum brakes and disk brakes are the most commonly used braking systems in the car. The use of most advanced technology like the ABS system has significantly increased the efficiency of the braking system. Everyone should be aware of the basic aspects of braking system maintenance which might help a lot to keep it in working order.

Cause of the braking system failure:

Lack of lubrication:

Different components of the braking system should be properly lubricated to work efficiently. An insufficient amount of lubrication might impair the braking system of the car. The appearance of the squealing sign while applying the brakes is a clear indication of a lack of lubrication and efforts should be made to keep different components properly lubricated.

Rusty components:

Components of the braking system made from cast iron can rust quickly. Rust could eventually cause permanent physical damage to the important components of the braking system and thus weaken the system. The deposition of mud is solely responsible for the rust buildup in the rotor and other important components of the braking system. So, efforts should be made to keep those components clean.

Leakage of brake fluid:

The primary function of the brake fluid used in the brakes is to transfer the pressure generated on the brake pedal to the brake pads. However, a lack of a sufficient amount of brake fluid might not be able to do so efficiently which could jeopardize the braking system of the car. So, cracks in the brake lines should be repaired immediately to prevent the leakage of brake fluid.

Contaminated brake fluid:

The presence of water molecules in the hydraulic fluid running through the brake lines might negatively affect the efficiency of the braking system. Water evaporates at a higher temperature inside the brake lines and water vapors could compress and thus the contaminated hydraulic fluid would not act efficiently.

Negligence:

Rough driving habit and negligence is solely responsible for major mechanical failures in the car. So, a person should be very defensive while driving a car. Besides, the braking system needs regular maintenance to work efficiently without any major problems in the car.

Signs of a failed braking system:

Vibration while applying brakes:

Vibration or shaking sensation while applying the brakes indicates that the rotor is damaged. The brake rotor is directly connected with the wheels and the brake pads apply pressure on the rotors to reduce the speed of a car. However, uneven or worn out rotors could affect the efficiency of the braking system.

Squealing or grinding noises:

The appearance of high-pitched noise while applying the brakes is a sign of worn-out brake pads. Brake pads play a crucial role and help to generate the friction against the rotors to reduce the speed of a vehicle and worn out brake pads should not be overlooked. It should be replaced with suitable substitutes.

Visible fluid leakage:

The hydraulic fluid used in the braking system plays a vital role as it helps to transfer the pressure from the brake pedals to the rotors. Leakage of hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder or other parts of the brake line indicates that the braking system has some cracks which need to be repaired immediately. Overlooking such problems might negatively affect the performance of a car and thus efforts should be made to repair such cracks or pinhole responsible for the fluid drainage from the braking system.

Car pulling to one side:

If the car is pulling to one side while applying the brakes is also a clear indication of the braking system failure. Faulty brake hose or calipers are solely responsible for the appearance of such behavior by the car.

Bottom line:

The fact is that the braking system plays an important role while driving a car. It helps to reduce the speed of a car in an emergency situation and thus prevents possible fatal collisions. Deformities in the braking system might have disastrous consequences and thus, efforts should be made to fix the problems associated with the braking system in time and keep it in working order.

The Bavarian Auto located in Enterprise Drive, Chattanooga is a BOSCH certified European Auto service center serving the areas of Hixson, Ooltewah along with Chattanooga since 1981.