Stopping Power You Can Feel
Brakes tend to tell you they need attention before they fail. A squeal that appears under light braking, a pedal that sinks further than it used to, or a shudder through the steering when you slow down are all worth acting on. At Advanced Automotive Services, we carry out brake repairs across pads, discs, drums, hydraulics and fluid, and we do the same for clutches when the bite point starts creeping or the pedal goes soft. We measure components rather than replacing them on sight, so you're not paying for discs with plenty of life left. Worn suspension produces a similar shudder, so we'll check the steering and suspension too. Call (07) 4033 6418 to book your car into our Cairns workshop.
Signs Worth Booking In For
Most brake and clutch faults announce themselves well before they become dangerous.
- A squeal or grinding noise. Wear indicators are designed to squeal once pads get low, and grinding usually means the pad material has gone. Leaving it at that point starts damaging the discs.
- A pedal that feels soft or drops slowly. This normally points to air or moisture in the hydraulic system, or a leaking cylinder. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which lowers its boiling point.
- Shuddering when you brake. Warped or unevenly worn discs are the usual cause, and it's most noticeable slowing from higher speeds. A sticking calliper can produce the same feel.
- A clutch that slips or bites high. Revs rising without matching acceleration means the friction material is worn. A bite point that's moved up the pedal travel is often the first warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends far more on how and where a vehicle is driven than on age alone. Stop-start driving and towing wear pads considerably faster than open road running.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture out of the air over time. Water in the fluid lowers its boiling point and can cause a spongy pedal under heavy braking.
Hydraulic components such as the master and slave cylinder can often be repaired or replaced on their own. Once the friction plate itself is worn, replacement is the only reliable fix.
