Brake Repair Services

Squealing brakes? Vibrating steering wheel? These could signal brake problems. At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we’re experts at diagnosing and fixing brake issues. Your safety is our priority.

Brake problems are dangerous. Regular maintenance is crucial. Let’s explore the seven most common brake issues we see at our San Francisco shop, along with how we fix them.

The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease: Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads wear down. It’s inevitable. They’re the friction material that slows your car. When they thin out, braking suffers. But how do we fix it?

We start with a thorough inspection. Our technicians use precision tools to measure pad thickness. Most cars need new pads at 3-4 millimeters. We don’t just eyeball it. We get exact measurements.

Once we’ve confirmed the need for replacement, we get to work. We remove the wheel, then the caliper. Out come the old pads. We don’t just slap new ones in, though. We clean the caliper bracket thoroughly. Why? Because buildup can cause uneven wear on your new pads.

Next, we apply an anti-squeal lubricant. This helps reduce noise and ensures smooth operation. Then we install high-quality new pads. But we’re not done yet. We check the rotors too. Sometimes they need resurfacing or replacement to ensure optimal braking.

Take a 2018 Honda Civic. Front pad replacement takes about an hour. We use a torque wrench to tighten everything to exact specifications. For this model, caliper bracket bolts usually need about 80 ft-lbs of torque. It’s this attention to detail that ensures your brakes work perfectly.

When was the last time you had your brake pads checked? Don’t wait for the squeal. Regular inspections can save you money and keep you safer.

Feeling the Pulse: Warped Brake Rotors
Ever feel a pulsing brake pedal? Warped rotors could be the culprit. These metal discs work with your pads to stop the car. Heat and stress can warp them over time. But how do we diagnose and fix this?

First, we do a road test. We feel for that telltale pulsation in the brake pedal. Back at the shop, we use a dial indicator to measure rotor runout. If it’s off by more than 0.002 inches, it needs attention.

Sometimes we can resurface rotors. We use a brake lathe for this. It removes a thin layer of metal, creating a smooth, even surface. But if the rotor’s too thin or badly warped, replacement is necessary.

Consider a 2020 Toyota Camry. Rotor resurfacing takes about 30 minutes per wheel. We use a micrometer to check thickness before and after. We never go below the minimum thickness, usually around 26mm for this model.

If we need to replace rotors, we don’t cut corners. We use high-quality parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications. We clean the hub surface thoroughly before installing the new rotor. Why? Because even a speck of rust can cause wobble and warping.

After installation, we check for lateral runout. This ensures the rotor’s spinning true. It’s this level of detail that prevents problems down the road.

Are your brakes feeling a bit shaky? Don’t ignore it. Warped rotors can lead to longer stopping distances and uneven brake wear.

The Silent Threat: Brake Fluid Leaks
Soft brake pedal? You might have a fluid leak. Brake fluid transfers force from your foot to the brakes. Any loss is serious. But how do we track down and fix these leaks?

We start with a thorough visual inspection. We check all components: lines, hoses, calipers, and master cylinder. Sometimes leaks are obvious. Other times, they’re tricky to spot.

We use pressure testers for thorough checks. These tools help us find even small leaks that might not be visible. We also check for internal leaks in the master cylinder or ABS unit.

Fixes vary based on the leak’s location. We might replace a brake line, rebuild a caliper, or install a new master cylinder. Let’s break it down:

For a leaking brake line, we replace the entire line. We use special wrenches to avoid damaging fittings. Then we use a flaring tool to create proper flares on the new line.
If a caliper is leaking, it often needs replacement. We carefully remove the old unit and install a new or rebuilt one. We make sure to torque all bolts to exact specifications.
Master cylinder leaks usually mean replacing the whole unit. It’s a critical component, so we don’t take chances with repairs.
For a 2019 Ford F-150, replacing a brake line takes 1-2 hours. After the repair, we bleed the entire system. We use a pressure bleeder to ensure all air is removed. Air in the lines can cause a spongy pedal and reduced braking power.
When was the last time you checked your brake fluid level? Regular checks can catch leaks early, saving you money and keeping you safe.

The Stubborn Stopper: Stuck Brake Calipers
Does your car pull to one side when braking? A stuck caliper might be the reason. Calipers house the brake pads. If one sticks, it causes uneven braking. But how do we diagnose and fix this issue?

We start with a road test. We feel for any pulling to one side during braking. Back at the shop, we do a visual inspection. We look for signs of uneven pad wear. This can indicate a sticking caliper.

Next, we check caliper movement. It should move freely when the brake pedal is pressed and released. We also use an infrared thermometer to compare brake temperatures side-to-side. A dragging caliper will be hotter than the others.

Once we’ve confirmed a stuck caliper, we remove it for closer inspection. We check the piston and seals. If the piston’s corroded or the seals are damaged, we usually recommend replacement.

Sometimes we can rebuild the caliper. We use a rebuild kit with new seals and boots. We carefully clean all parts and reassemble with fresh lubricant.

On a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, replacing a front caliper takes about an hour. We use a special tool to compress the caliper piston before installation. All bolts are torqued to spec, typically around 85 ft-lbs for mounting bolts.

After installation, we bleed the brake system to remove any air. Then we do another road test to ensure the problem’s solved.

Have you noticed your car pulling to one side? Don’t ignore it. A stuck caliper can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced braking power.

The High-Tech Helper: ABS Sensor Failures
ABS light on? It’s often a sensor issue. These monitor wheel speed for your anti-lock brakes. But how do we diagnose and fix these high-tech problems?

We start with a scan tool. This reads ABS fault codes, pointing us to the problem area. Then we use a multimeter to check sensor resistance and output voltage. A faulty sensor typically shows no output or incorrect resistance values.

Once we’ve identified the faulty sensor, replacement is usually necessary. We remove the wheel for access. Then we disconnect the old sensor and carefully remove it. We clean the mounting area thoroughly before installing the new sensor.

Proper routing of the sensor wire is crucial. We make sure it’s not stretched or pinched. This prevents damage and ensures accurate readings.

For a 2021 Subaru Outback, replacing an ABS sensor takes about 30 minutes. We use a torque wrench to tighten the sensor mounting bolt to exactly 9 ft-lbs. Why so precise? Overtightening can damage the new sensor.

After installation, we clear any ABS fault codes. Then we road test to ensure the system’s working correctly. We check for proper ABS activation on slippery surfaces.

Is your ABS light on? Don’t ignore it. A faulty ABS sensor can disable this important safety system.

The Power Behind the Pedal: Brake Booster Issues
Hard brake pedal? Your brake booster might be failing. It uses an engine vacuum to multiply your pedal force. But how do we diagnose and fix this crucial component?

We start by checking the vacuum supply. We use a vacuum gauge to ensure the engine is providing adequate suction. Then we test the booster’s function. With the engine off, we press the brake pedal several times to deplete the vacuum. When we start the engine, we should feel the pedal assistance return.

If the booster’s faulty, replacement is usually necessary. It’s a complex job. We disconnect the master cylinder carefully to avoid damaging brake lines. Then we remove the old booster and install the new one.

Proper adjustment of the pushrod length is crucial. It affects the pedal feel and brake performance. We follow manufacturer specifications exactly.

On a 2016 Nissan Altima, replacing the brake booster can take 2-3 hours. After installation, we bleed the brake system to remove any air. Then we road test to ensure proper brake feel and performance.

Is your brake pedal feeling stiff? Don’t wait. A failing booster can significantly increase stopping distances.

The Command Center: Master Cylinder Failure
Brake pedal sinking to the floor? Your master cylinder might be failing. It’s the heart of your brake system, converting pedal force into hydraulic pressure. But how do we tackle this critical component?

We start with a visual inspection for leaks. Then we perform a pressure hold test. We apply pressure to the brake pedal and watch for any slow sinking. We also use a pressure gauge to check for proper pressure buildup in each brake circuit.

If we confirm master cylinder failure, replacement is usually necessary. We carefully disconnect all brake lines, noting their positions. Then we remove the old cylinder and install the new one.

Proper bleeding of the brake system is crucial after this repair. We use a pressure bleeder to ensure all air is removed from the lines. We start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and work our way closer.

For a 2022 Mazda CX-5, replacing the master cylinder takes about 2 hours. After installation, we carefully adjust the brake pedal free play. Then we road test to ensure proper brake feel and performance.

Have you noticed your brake pedal feeling soft or sinking? Don’t delay. A failing master cylinder can lead to complete brake failure.

At Cowden Automotive, we take brakes seriously. Our San Francisco shop has cutting-edge tools and experienced techs. We handle everything from worn Honda Civic pads to complex Subaru Outback ABS issues.

When was your last brake check? Don’t wait for problems. Schedule an inspection with us today. We serve the entire Bay Area, keeping you safe on the road.

Regular maintenance prevents bigger issues. Trust Cowden Automotive with your brakes. Your safety is our top priority.