We service only the portion of the brake system that your car needs.  Others will replace everything in order to charge you more money.  If this is what you really want, insist and we will do it, otherwise we will replace only the components that actually need replacing.

Brake System Warning Signs:
  • Brake warning light comes on
  • Your vehicle pulls to one side when braking instead of stopping in a straight line
  • When applied, your brakes grab, causing jerky stops
  • Brake pedal is either mushy or very hard to depress
  • Brakes grind with continuous loud metallic noise when applied
  • Brakes must be pumped to work properly
  • Wheel(s) are excessively hot after short drives
  • Brake fluid leaks are seen around any wheel or in engine compartment, near master cylinder location
  • Brake fluid very low or very dirty looking
  
These warning signs are only possible symptoms of the problem. Please come in and ask our service technicians for a professional diagnosis.
 
 
 
  There are two components within the brake - Hydraulics and Friction Materials.

 

  
 
Hydraulics
  
 
Master Cylinder
  
  By applying pressure to the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes brake fluid to the wheel brakes by creating hydraulic pressure.
 		  
 
Brake Lines and Hoses
  
  From the master cylinder, brake lines and high pressure rubber hoses send the pressurized brake fluid to the wheel cylinders and calipers.  
 
Wheel Cylinders and Calipers
  
  These are the hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to the friction materials, causing your vehicle to stop.  
 
Friction Materials
 
 
Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes
  
  These brake linings are composed of high temperature materials that create the friction that stops your vehicle.
 		  
 
Types of Brakes
 
 
Disc Brakes
 
  Disc brakes consist of a disc brake rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and a caliper, which holds the disc brake pads. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the caliper piston to clamp the disc brake rotor between the disc brake pads. This creates friction between the pads and rotor, causing your vehicle to slow down or stop.
 		  
 
Drum Brakes
 
  Drum brakes consist of a brake drum attached to the wheel, a wheel cylinder, brake shoes and brake return springs. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the wheel cylinder to press the brake shoes against the brake drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your vehicle.  
 
Parking Brake
 
  The parking brake uses cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the rear brake.) This is used to prevent the vehicle from rolling when not being driven.  
 
Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For Safety
  
  Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made, the ABS prevents wheel lock-up. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on and off rapidly, and the on-board computer
 		  
What our service includes:
•
 Inspect the brake system for lining wear  
•
 Check calipers and wheel cylinders for free operation  

•

 Measure drums and rotors  
•
 Check retaining springs and caliper slide hardware  
•
 Machine drums and rotors if required  
•
 Inspect wheel bearings and repair if required  
•
 Inspect master cylinder, and brake hoses  
•
 Install quality UAP/Napa brake linings if required  
•
 Inspect and adjust parking brake  
•
 Top off brake fluid level  
•
 Take vehicle on a road test to ensure all settings are correct  
How to keep your brakes from letting you down.
 
  Think of your vehicle's brake system as an extension of your body. If you push on the pedal and the vehicle doesn't respond as you expect it to, you may be in trouble. When your brakes feel good, you'll feel better about driving.

There are no short cuts on brake work. Invest in the best service you can get.

 
Brake Failure Symptoms:
  
Your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange noises when you depress the brake. Two of the most common noises are squeaks and grinding:  
  Squeaks: Friction from the brake lining causes heat. Under extreme conditions this can damage the pads and/or lining, brake drums and rotors.

Grinding: A metallic grinding sound indicates your brake pads are worn through. Metal-to-metal contact will damage drums or rotors.

Low or Fading Brake Pedal: Do your brakes require pumping to stop the vehicle? Does the pedal sink to the floorboard when you're stopped at a light? There may be a leak in the brake system, air in the brake lines, or the need for a brake adjustment.

Pulling to One Side or Brake Drag: Worn or uneven brake linings or a damaged brake line can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Brakes that are out of adjustment or have contaminated fluid can cause them to drag.

 
Inspecting your brakes:
  
1 Master Cylinder: The master cylinder, the heart of the brake system, contains a reservoir for brake fluid. It is located on the firewall and should be checked periodically to ensure the proper fluid level.
 		  
2 Brake Lines: Attached to the master cylinder, steel brake-tubing runs to all four wheels. Brake lines should be inspected for rust, which can lead to leaks. If the lines are damaged they should be replaced.
 		  
3 Brake Hoses: Rubber brakes hoses run from the brake lines to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders. Constant exposure to the road grime, dirt, salt and other elements can cause the rubber brake to become brittle and crack, leading to brake failure.
 		  
4 Linings and Pads: The pads and brake shoe linings should be checked periodically for uneven or excessive wear, glazing or saturation from brake fluid or grease.  
5 Calipers and Wheel Cylinders: Brakes are activated by brake fluid pressure from the master cylinder pushing a piston located in the caliper or wheel cylinder against the pad or shoe. A leak can cause erratic braking or brake failure.
 		  
6 Bearings and Seals: Wheel bearings should be inspected and lubricated periodically. Worn wheel bearings, which can cause faulty steering as well as erratic braking, should be replaced.
 		  
7 Parking Brake: The parking brake should be adjusted periodically.

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5978 Covington Highway - Decatur, GA 30035 (Map)
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