12 Common Brake Problems In Cars That Can Trouble You

Safe driving does not only involve having great attention on the road, but also making sure your car's safety features are functioning well. One of the most important safety features on every car are the brakes.

Here's a guide of the most common brake problems and some ways to fix them.

How Do Brakes Work?

The brake system uses the hydraulic fluid that works to slow down the kinetic energy of a vehicle.

Your brake pedal is connected mechanically via a metal rod to a device called the master cylinder. When you press the brake pedal, the metal rod attached to it acts on a piston inside of the master cylinder. This piston compresses the brake fluid inside of the master cylinder, which builds up pressure within the brake system.

That pressure is transmitted through the brake lines and provides the force needed to work the vehicle’s brakes. The process then slows down the wheels and makes the vehicle stop. More pedal force means more pressure, which means more stopping power.

Fixing The Most Common Brake Problems

1. The Marshmallow Brake

This is the most common issue in the braking system. The brakes become soft or spongy due to the air accumulated in the brake lines, preventing the brake fluid from flowing. The brake does not work until you force it to, and in some cases, won't even function at all.

When this happens, stop driving and resolve the issue first. Check the fluid reservoir and make sure the fluid is up to the recommended level. You can get rid of the air by replacing or flushing the brake fluid.

You can also inspect if there's any leak in the master cylinder. If there is, it's time to replace the cylinder. In case it gets too complicated, seek professional assistance.

2. The One Side Pull

If your car is pulling left or right when braking, it can be an issue with the brake hose or caliper.

A broken brake hose can cause the calipers to move roughly, pulling the vehicle to one side when the brakes are applied. Replace the brake hose if this is the case.

If the brakes suddenly stopped working only on one side while the other side is working, then the caliper is frozen. It could be due to dust, debris, and other elements like rust. Try repairing the caliper as many times it gets bent and lubricate it regularly. If it doesn't work, replacing it would be the next step.

There are other common causes of brake pulling like worn suspension parts, uneven tire pressure, or faulty wheel bearings. That's why a routine check of the rear brake, front brake, steering components, and suspension components are important to identify what's causing the pull.

3. The Shaking Steering Wheel

When the steering wheel shakes when applying brakes while driving, the rotors may be damaged. Moisture can form corrosion on the rotors. This usually happens if the car hasn't been used for a long time. Repairing the rotors or replacing them can easily solve this issue.

If it's not the rotors then it could be an issue with the brake pads. Oftentimes, replacing the brake pads is the easiest way to get rid of your vehicle’s brake vibrations.

4. The Brake Pedal Going Up And Down

If the brake pedals shake or move up and down while driving, then it could be an issue with the rotors or brake pads as well. Hitting on the brakes too hard is the most common reason for this. Replacing either the rotors or brake pads is the best solution.

5. The Entire Vehicle Shaking

If the entire car shakes or trembles when applying the brakes, that's an indication that there's something wrong with the rear side of the car.

There could be an issue with the rear brake. To confirm this, try using the parking brake. The parking brake makes use of the rear brakes so it's easy to notice if there's any issue. Try resurfacing or replacing the rear drums to fix this problem.

6. Brake Light Indicator On Dashboard

Most cars have the common warning lights on their dashboard for the braking system. If your car’s dashboard brake indicator light stays on, it means there is a problem with the brake system.

Based on the car warning light indicator, if the light is yellow, there may be an issue with the anti-lock braking system. Seek help from your trusted mechanic if this happens.

To avoid this problem, always check the brake light switch, replace the fuses, replace burnt-out bulbs and keep your brake pedal free of dirt.

7. Squeaking Sounds

Squeaking sounds while driving is an indicator that there could be an issue with the brakes. It could be because of poorly fitted brake pads or discs. This could also be a sign of bad wheel bearings. Make sure to replace the brake pads if they are worn out to avoid any further damage.

Squeaking sounds could also happen due to other reasons like poor lubrication, brake pad material, brake pad failure, moisture in the brake, or dirt and debris in the brake assembly. To avoid this, try applying grease to the brake pads, installing a set of shims, or replacing the pads and rotors.

8. Grinding Sound When You Apply Brakes

If you hear a harsh grinding sound when braking, it is likely because the brake disc and caliper are rubbing together. This usually happens when your brake pads are less than the recommended thickness. They will start making a noise each time you hit the brake pedal.

One of the best ways to fix this issue is to replace your brake pads right away. The discs or rotors may also need to be replaced in this case.

9. Leaking of Brake Fluid

Almost all cars use pressurized brake fluid to activate the brakes. It is designed to boost your foot’s force on the brake pedal and turn it into pressure on your car’s brakes. If there are leaks and not enough brake fluid, brake pressure will drop, and the vehicle won't be able to stop.

When the pads and their associated rotor and drum wear out, the pistons operating the pads can become hyperextended and break the cylinder seal, leaking fluid into the affected area.

To avoid this you need to check brake hoses for any leaks and replace them. Make sure you have enough brake fluid in your vehicle to ensure safety.

10. Sudden Braking or Stopping

Sudden lock-up of the brakes usually happens when you hit the brakes abruptly, putting too much pressure on the brake pedal. The friction between the brakes and the disc becomes stronger than the friction between the road and the tires.

When this happens while you're driving, don’t press on the brake. Apply pressure on it slowly and smoothly instead. Once you have stopped or slowed down, do not release the brake pedal right away, take your foot off the brake slowly.

11. Total Brake Failure

The most common cause of brake failure is a leak in the brake line. Worn out discs and drums can also cause the brakes to fail. So make sure to regularly check the brake lines, discs and drums and have them repaired or replaced if needed.

12. Burning Smell From Brakes

The burning smell is usually normal for vehicles with recently installed new brakes. The heat produced during that reaction causes polymerization and the gasses released on your brake pads can smell like burning.

The smell can last for a few days. If the smell continues for more than a few days though, you should take your car for a brake repair service.

12 Common Brake Problems In Cars That Can Trouble You