Common Brake Problems and the Parts That Fix Them

Eventually, every car will run into some brake problems. It’s part and parcel of owning a vehicle, especially in Canada, where icy conditions and road salt can put more strain on your brakes more regularly. 

With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of what kind of brake problems you might encounter, the telltale signs of them, and the parts you can purchase to fix the issue. Note that all of the part-problems we talk about below could produce similar symptoms, so it’s important to carefully diagnose the cause before replacing anything.

Grinding Brakes

Perhaps the most common issue involves grinding or squealing brakes, which are often caused by worn brake pads. These are the friction components that press against your brake rotors to slow or stop your vehicle, and over time, they naturally wear down from regular use. 

Other signs they’re not working properly include vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal, or simply reduced braking performance. Brake warning lights on your dashboard can also signal when things aren’t working the way they should, so make sure you pay attention to those.

The Fix: You’ll need to buy new brake pads. As a trusted auto part supplier, we sell a variety of types, including ceramic and semi-metallic, so a quick search will help you find the right pads for your specific make and model.

Uneven Stopping

Another common brake problem involves uneven stopping, which can be particularly noticeable on longer downhill drives. This could be due to warped rotors, which are the round, flat discs that your brake pads clamp onto to slow or stop your vehicle – and are often the first to be affected if there are rapid temperature changes, which is why it’s so important to carry out a car maintenance check at the start of every season. 

Outside of seasonal extremes, rotors can also warp or be damaged from heavy braking or just normal wear, with some of the telltale signs including a ‘shudder’ feeling while driving, or vibration in the brake pedal when stopping.

The Fix: you should replace your brake rotors. Again, we sell a variety of brake rotor options, including standard replacement rotors – a good choice for everyday driving and reliable performance – and drilled or slotted performance rotors – a good choice for drivers who want improved braking under heavy loads, or often drive in more hilly, demanding conditions.

Reduced Hydraulic Pressure

Over time, you might also come across air or fluid issues. Your braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to transfer the force from your pedal to the brakes at each wheel, and if there’s air trapped in the brake lines or if the brake fluid is old or low, that pressure can be reduced, leading to less effective braking and longer stopping distances. 

Signs that this is happening are more subtle, but they’re recognizable if you know what you’re looking for. For instance, the brake pedal might feel softer or spongier when pressed, or it might sink closer to the floor than usual. Again, brake warning lights should appear on your dashboard, and if your rotors and pads are in good working order, this can be a good clue.

The Fix: you can bleed the brake lines to remove any trapped air and replace old or contaminated fluid with the type specified for your vehicle – it’s important that you choose the correct type, since the wrong fluid can easily damage seals or even cause system failure.

Dragging Brakes

Another issue to be aware of involves dragging brakes, which could be due to your brake calipers. These are the components that squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, and if there’s any corrosion, dirt, or worn hardware, eventually they might prevent the brakes from fully releasing. 

Many people experience this problem in the winter or fall, whereby wet leaves and road debris stick inside the mechanism and clamp the pads unevenly, so it’s a good idea to take a look at this during your maintenance check. Other signs that calipers are sticking include reduced fuel efficiency – due to extra friction – and oftentimes, the affected wheel will get noticeably hotter than the others. 

The Fix: you can replace the sticking or seized caliper with a new one. We offer calipers for most makes and models in Canada, so take a look at the catalog if you’ve tried cleaning or lubricating the caliper and the problem has persisted.

Soft Pedal

One last problem to mention involves your brake hose. This is the flexible rubber or reinforced line that carries brake fluid from the master cylinder to your calipers or wheel cylinders. 

Whether it’s due to age, heat, or corrosion, these hoses can crack or develop leaks, which can reduce hydraulic pressure, make your pedal soft or sinking, and ultimately compromise your braking performance. You should be able to visually notice this, but if not, other signs include uneven braking between wheels, and again, it should be indicated by the brake warning light on your dashboard.

The Fix: you’ll have to replace the damaged brake hose or line with a new one. Simply search for your make and model on our website, find the correct part you’re looking for, install it, and you’ll notice your braking feeling a lot more fluid and, most importantly, safe!