Brake Drums – Brake Pads – Brake Rotors

South Edmonton – Best Choice Automotive

Brake Drums

The Brake drum system was the predominate brake system on cars from their inception. There were various manufactures that offered a front disc option but these were rare, or on exotic European models. They required frequent inspection and adjustment, and were subject to brake fade in long hot brake applications. Brake drums began to be phased out in the late sixties and early seventies.

780-466-8244
AMA Approved Auto Repair Facility
South Edmonton Brake Pad & Brake Rotor Repair – 9 automotive service bays
Brake Drums – Brake Pads – Brake Rotors

Brake Rotors

Brake rotors have change dramatically on today’s modern car from yesterday’s vehicles. Brake Rotors were formally very thick and contained wheel bearings and seals. These types of rotors were primarily found on the front of vehicle’s that were equipped with this new safer braking method. Brake rotors became more predominant on the late sixties and early seventy models and newer. They required wheel bearing repacks and new seals as a routine maintenance procedure. When new brakes were required, the rotors often had enough material to machine them smooth, allowing the installation of install fresh brake pads.

Today’s modern cars now have four-wheel disc brake rotors, and come in many different configurations. They may have vented rotors, or solid rotors on the front and the rear. These new rotors can be made from various materials, depending on the application and performance requirements. Some rear brake rotors may incorporate a drum style hat for the emergency brake system. Due to manufactures trying to make cars lighter (and more fuel efficient) brake rotors have become thinner. When new brake installations are required on today’s cars, the recommended procedure is to replace the rotors along with new brake Pads. This is to prevent a brake pulsation from possibly occurring when applying brakes that are hot… and potentially warping a rotor. Machining a modern brake rotor may take it closer to its discard limit, and hasten a warp or pulsation situation.

780-466-8244
AMA Approved Auto Repair Facility
South Edmonton Brake Pad & Brake Rotor Repair – 9 automotive service bays
Brake Drums – Brake Pads – Brake Rotors

Common Brake Pad/Drum/Rotor Problems

Common brake complaints;
When I apply my brakes my steering wheel shakes, or the brake pedal pulsates against my foot.
This is very symptomatic of a warped rotor or out of round brake drum.The pulsation may be caused by a warped rotor that is worn and been through multiple hot cycles of repeated braking. This would require replacement of the rotors; to machine a rotor would eliminate metal and could cause the rotor to warp and pulsate quicker. Brake drums also may go out of round due to overheating and require replacement. It is advisable to install fresh brake pads or brake shoes whenever changing rotors or drums to facilitate even wear of the brake components.

My brakes grind or make a heavy metal sound whenever I apply them.
My brakes squeal whenever I apply them.

When this sound is occurring the repair will involve the replacement of brake pads and rotors or brake shoes and drums. The hydraulics may also require replacing if they have exceeded their travel parameters or are leaking.

A brake squeal condition may occur for a variety of reasons:

• rust on brake rotors from a car that’s been parked for a long time
• light brake pedal application for long braking periods can cause the pads and rotors to glaze and create hot spots.

These types of repairs may involve deglazing the brake pads and rotors and reseating the brakes on a road test.

780-466-8244
AMA Approved Auto Repair Facility
South Edmonton Brake Pad & Brake Rotor Repair – 9 automotive service bays
Brake Drums – Brake Pads – Brake Rotors

BACK to South Edmonton Brake Repair page