Auto Repair: A Blog about BRAKES

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Auto Repair: A Blog about BRAKES

Michael Leech • October 9, 2020

How to know when you need to have your brakes checked.

Hi, everyone! ASE Master Technician Michael Leech here. Today, I’m going to review the automotive brake system, how it works, and when you need to know when your car’s brake system needs repairs or maintenance! The base brakes are often regarded as “simple” but the system does have some nuance that requires technical knowledge to get it right the first time, every time. Remember, “Amateurs practice until they get it right, professionals practice until they never get it wrong”- Harold Craxton.

Overview

The automotive brake system is arguably the most important system on your vehicle. The penalties associated with crashing carry expenses that can dwarf any costs you imagine. The medical bills alone, to say nothing of the possible loss of life, have costs that are almost unimaginable. I quote the great Joe Scarbrough, winner of hundreds of races, “the brake system is the fastest way to modify the vehicles travel”. This system should be inspected by a qualified professional ONCE A YEAR!

As I like to say, the brake system is basically a bunch of pieces of metal rubbing against each other. From Physics 101 we know energy can be neither created nor destroyed. We transfer the car’s kinetic energy to thermal energy through friction. This WILL result in noises and vibrations.

The vast majority of automotive brake systems on the road today are disc brake systems. These steel rotors (discs) are sandwiched between the hub and the wheel and turn at the same speed as the wheel. The caliper, which is the workhorse of the brakes is a hydraulic clamp mounted to a fixed point on the suspension. The pads keep the rotor from damaging the caliper, and provide the correct level of friction- not too much, not too little. To stop, hydraulic pressure from the brake master cylinder (created by your foot on the pedal) pushes inside the caliper which squeezes the rotor with the pads and slows it down.

Brake Noises

Brakes always make noise, generally though, the noises are at a pitch above what the human ear can hear. This is why brakes frequently make super high pitched noises when there is a friction issue or debris problem, such as dust. The other common noise you hear from brakes is caused by the “squealer” or “pad wear indicator”. This can be a high pitched scratching squeal at low speeds or a loud “screeeee” when lightly applying the brakes. No matter what, you need to know that when your brakes make noises, it is time to get them checked.

Good, Good, Good, Good Vibrations

Another common issue is brake pedal pulsations. The sensation is that the brake pedal is “pushing back” or “vibrating” against your foot while you are pressing it. A pedal that slowly and rhythmically pulses while stopping is often caused by “Brake Rotor Thickness Variation” also known as “Warped Rotors”. This is frequently caused by pad material building up on the surface of the rotor and creating a high spot. This high spot hits the caliper piston once per wheel revolution and shoves it back it. This creates fluctuations in fluid pressure that you feel in your foot. Once again, this means it is time for brake check,

You’ve been Warned!

Our brake systems primarily rely on two or three warning lights. Refer to your owners manual for your specific vehicle for exact information. The main, and most concerning light is the RED warning lamp, that usually says “BRAKE” in red letters. This light should turn on for a bulb check (with the yellow ABS light if equipped) at startup and then remain off. The red brake light can mean that fluid is low, system pressure is low, the parking brake is on, or that there is another significant brake system malfunction. See your repair shop immediately. The yellow ABS light is concerning but not as much of an emergency. This lamp means that the Anti-Lock brakes have a fault, generally this is a sensor failure and is less urgent that a RED brake light. Troubleshooting the ABS system requires an educated technician and factory specific scan tools. Do not replace parts based on trouble codes alone!

The All-Important Fluid

Automotive brake systems use hydraulic fluid to do the work. This fluid is a propylene glycol fluid, and the ethanol in the fluid means the fluid is “hygroscopic” or will absorb moisture from the air. This characteristic prevents rust inside the metal components of the brake system, but means the fluid needs to be periodically changed. The advantage of a hydraulic system is that it is excellent at transmitting force from one point to another with low friction losses. Cars also use a “brake booster” to further increase the amount of pressure you can create with your foot pressing the pedal. Your brake fluid should be changed every 2-4 years, depending on the manufacturers recommendations. We use only full synthetic DOT 4 fluid in our brake flushes, which is a much better fluid for protecting you from temperature related brake fade and ABS problems than DOT 3. Dot 4 also absorbs less water from the atmosphere than DOT 3.

A final note about your brake system is that you will sometimes feel a “pull” from your brakes. In short when you press the pedal you’ll feel your vehicle try to change direction, requiring you to turn the wheel to keep it straight or on the correct path. This is usually caused by a damaged hose or caliper. Once again, this is an urgent situation, and should be checked immediately.

Low, soft brake pedal is another concern. This is when your brake pedal doesn’t have that nice firm feel to it, or travels all the way to the floor when you press it. This indicates a severe problem that has likely reduced your stopping distance. In many cases it is best to tow the vehicle in to be safe.

That’s enough for one post, so I want to leave you (and the TLDR folks) with the final summary. Have your brakes checked once a year, or when you hear noises, feel vibrations or see warning lights! Drive happy!

Michael

The post Auto Repair: A Blog about BRAKES appeared first on Pro Auto Repairs.

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Why Your Steering Wheel Feels Stiff: Common Causes & Fixes in Newport News

March 20, 2025

At Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, we know that a smooth, responsive steering experience is essential for safe and comfortable driving. If you've ever encountered a stiff steering wheel, you know how concerning and frustrating it can be. Whether you're making tight turns or navigating through busy streets, a stiff steering wheel can significantly impact your driving experience. A stiff steering wheel often indicates that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle’s steering system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel and how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you resolve the issue, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. The Importance of a Smooth Steering System Your vehicle’s steering system is a vital component for maintaining control of your car, truck, or SUV. A smooth and responsive steering system allows for precise control when navigating curves, parking, or driving at high speeds. If your steering feels stiff or unresponsive, it can make driving more difficult and potentially dangerous. Keeping your steering system in top condition is essential for your safety. Regular maintenance and addressing any steering issues promptly will ensure a more enjoyable driving experience and help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Common Causes of a Stiff Steering Wheel Several issues could cause your steering wheel to feel stiff. Let’s break down the most common causes and explain how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you address them. 1. Low Power Steering Fluid One of the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel is low or contaminated power steering fluid. Your vehicle’s power steering system relies on fluid to make steering more effortless, especially at lower speeds. If the fluid level is low or the fluid is dirty, it can cause the steering wheel to become stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Power steering fluid can leak over time or degrade, reducing its effectiveness. Contaminated fluid can also cause the system to malfunction, resulting in hard steering. What to Do: If you suspect low or dirty power steering fluid, it’s essential to have it checked and replaced. At Pro Auto Repair , we can quickly assess your fluid levels, flush the system if necessary, and ensure the right fluid is added to keep your power steering system functioning smoothly. 2. Worn or Damaged Power Steering Pump The power steering pump is responsible for pushing the fluid through the power steering system. If the pump begins to wear out or break down, it can result in a stiff or unresponsive steering wheel. A faulty pump may also cause whining noises when turning the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the power steering pump can become damaged due to wear and tear, excessive heat, or contamination in the fluid. What to Do: If you notice whining noises or difficulty turning the steering wheel, it's important to have your power steering pump checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, can inspect your pump and replace it if necessary, restoring smooth steering. 3. Damaged Steering Rack or Tie Rods The steering rack and tie rods are essential components that connect your steering wheel to the wheels of your vehicle. If either of these parts becomes damaged, it can lead to stiff steering. A damaged steering rack can cause your steering wheel to feel tight or unresponsive, while damaged tie rods can lead to misalignment, which affects your vehicle’s handling. How It Happens: The steering rack and tie rods can become worn or damaged from age, rough driving conditions, or accidents. When they break down, your steering system will suffer, often resulting in stiffness. What to Do: If the steering rack or tie rods are damaged, it’s critical to have them replaced immediately. Pro Auto Repair offers professional steering system repairs, including steering rack replacement and tie rod replacements, to restore your vehicle's handling and steering precision. 4. Faulty Serpentine Belt The serpentine belt plays a key role in powering various components of your vehicle, including the power steering pump. If the serpentine belt becomes loose, worn, or damaged, it can prevent the power steering pump from working effectively, causing stiffness in the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the serpentine belt can wear out or slip, reducing the amount of power sent to the power steering pump. This can result in reduced steering assist and make the steering wheel harder to turn. What to Do: Regular inspection and maintenance of the serpentine belt can help prevent this issue. If you notice your steering becoming stiff, have the belt checked at Pro Auto Repair , where we’ll ensure it’s properly tightened or replaced as needed. 5. Alignment Issues Your vehicle’s alignment affects how the wheels are positioned in relation to the steering components. When the wheels are misaligned, it can lead to uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, and, in some cases, a stiff steering wheel. Misalignment can also cause your vehicle to feel unstable while driving, especially at higher speeds. How It Happens: Misalignment can occur due to hitting a curb, driving over potholes, or general wear and tear on the suspension components. What to Do: If you’re experiencing a stiff steering wheel alongside pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s alignment checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, offers professional wheel alignment services that will restore your vehicle's steering precision and improve overall handling. 6. Worn Out Steering Column or Bearings The steering column and bearings are part of the system that connects your steering wheel to the rest of your vehicle’s steering components. If these parts become worn out or damaged, it can cause the steering wheel to feel stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Over time, the bearings can wear down, or the steering column can become misaligned, leading to stiffness in the wheel. This issue is more common in older vehicles or those with higher mileage. What to Do: If your steering wheel feels tight and you’ve ruled out other causes, it could be a sign of issues with the steering column or bearings. Our expert technicians at Pro Auto Repair can diagnose the issue and replace any worn-out components, restoring your steering system’s performance. How Pro Auto Repair Can Help in Newport News, VA At Pro Auto Repair , we specialize in steering system repairs and maintenance. If your steering wheel feels stiff, don’t wait for the problem to worsen—bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection. Our experienced technicians will assess the issue, whether it’s low power steering fluid, a faulty pump, worn-out components, or something else entirely. We’ll provide you with a reliable diagnosis and the necessary repairs to restore smooth steering and keep you safe on the road. Preventive Maintenance for Smooth Steering To keep your steering system in top shape and avoid stiff steering, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some preventive measures you can take: Check fluid levels regularly: Ensure your power steering fluid is topped off and replace it when it becomes dirty or contaminated. Inspect your steering system: Have your steering components, including the pump, rack, and tie rods, checked regularly for wear and tear. Maintain proper alignment: Get your vehicle’s alignment checked every year or whenever you notice signs of uneven tire wear or steering issues. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your steering system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. Schedule Your Steering System Check at Pro Auto Repair Today If your steering wheel feels stiff or unresponsive, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule a professional inspection at Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, today. Our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and ensure your steering system is in optimal condition, so you can enjoy a safe and smooth ride.