my brakes have been squealing but I can see the pad and looks like there is plenty of pad there. But I may be mistaken. I cant afford to go to the mechanic till a few days. I drive an explorer if that helps any.
can you tell if the roders are messed up without having to go to a mechanic?
2007-06-23 09:31:03 · 9 answers · asked by steph 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The pads might have dirt on them or perhaps out of line. Either way you should get them seen to before they damage the discs. New discs are dearer than new pads.
Cheers :-)
2007-06-23 09:34:20 · answer #1 · answered by chekeir 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most shops will do a free brake inspection. Look for those coupons in the mailbox for free inspections.
A squealing brake can be a sign of wear and tear and the wear "sensors" a small piece of metal attached to the pads will alert you when the pads have warn down to minimum specifications. They do not wear evenly and the inner pads or outters will wear out first, no reason why. Most times, the outter pads wear out first.
They will measure the thickness of the brake rotors and the pads or shoes and write it down on the inspection sheet. If the rotors are too "thin" and cannot be resurfaced then they will have to be replaced. Calipers and hoses that are cracked (hose) or sticking (calipers) will be replaced since it makes no sense to put new pads on defective mechanical parts.
If you have a four wheel drive, the costs may be double that of a two wheel drive car or truck due to labor.
You might be looking at a best case scenario of $100-200 or worst case $600 or so.
If the rotors are gouged by the pad brackets digging into them they will have to be replaced as well. Some people let it go too long (the squeaking) and this chews up the rotors.
Good Luck!
2007-06-23 16:49:09 · answer #2 · answered by CactiJoe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can see the brake pads and they appear to be ok you might be experiencing glazed rotors. This occurs when you use the brakes excessively or ride the pedal and the rotor heats up and becomes glazed on its surface. This reduces the friction from the pads and the steel of the rotors makes a squealing noise when the brakes are applied. Also, you might just be seeing the outside pad and it can look fine but the inner pad could be worn out due to a condition called "hung caliper". This happens when the pistons seize up in the caliper and pressure is only applied to one side of the rotor. If you do a lot of hard braking your rotors might be warped also. You can tell by driving at about 30 and gently touching the brake pedal. If the steering wheel wobbles in your hands you need your rotors resurfaced.
2007-06-23 16:47:24 · answer #3 · answered by ToolManJobber 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not uncommon to need front brakes at about 30,000 miles and rears at 40,000 or so but it depends on how much city driving you do. If you go to a Ford dealer for an oil change they will usually do a 27 point check at no charge. They will tell you the condition of many maintenance items including the brakes. You may have to ask for the 27 point ck but most dealers will do it for you at no cost. The rotors are probably ok unless the brakes are grinding.
2007-06-23 17:13:08 · answer #4 · answered by scubapete13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey, usually when your brakes squeell its a feature on the brake its self ,that is built. you hear a screech sound when the pads are getting low and would require changing.usually the pads are not really low when you start hearing he sound and may continue driving for a few days but the pads still would require changing after a while. however you should not go on driving it for long as a word brake pad will damage the disk.
2007-06-23 16:51:32 · answer #5 · answered by Sanjay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is squealing, then there is a problem. sometimes its hard to tell if you need more brake pads, it depends on how long ago you got the last ones, they should be changed every once in awhile. I suggest you get new ones.
2007-06-23 16:36:10 · answer #6 · answered by Jason R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sarcastic answer would be:-
1. The oncomming wall does not slow down as you approach it. LOL.
2. It take longer to stop and more pressure on the foot pedal.
3. There might be a metal on metal screaching sound as you press the pedal.
4. The foot peadl feels "spongey"
2007-06-23 16:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by Elliot970 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
easiest way is to check your master cylinder fluid
if you dont know where it is look under your hood and from the front of your vehicle it will be on the back right corner....if the fluid level isnt really close to the max point...you most likely need brakes
while you are there dont forget to the your oil and coolant levels
2007-06-23 20:55:46 · answer #8 · answered by racecarreal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to see if the car feels different when you stop see if it take longer that before you hear the squeaking
2007-06-23 16:36:26 · answer #9 · answered by fidel_rjs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋