by Mike Webb

Created on: November 26, 2010

Brakes are obviously an important component of your car.  Proper function is necessary to control your vehicle, not only to stop your car but also to control the way it handles as you slow down.  With the invention of Anti-Lock brakes it may be hard at times to tell if your brakes are faulty.  So how can you tell if your car brakes are bad?

 There are several indicators without even looking at the brakes.

- Pulsation in the brake pedal as you apply your brakes:  this would indicate a warped rotor.  The rotor is attached either by a bearing assembly or just slid over the wheel studs and held on by the rim.  The rotor turns with the wheels and the brake pads are applied to the rotor when the brake pedal is actuated.  You may need to replace both the pads and the rotor or possibly just have the rotor turned or trued up if it is still within proper thickness.  You may also have this problem with drum brakes, but it is very rare.

- Your vehicle pulls to one side during braking:  this can be caused by a couple of things but many times it’s an indication that one side is not applying properly.  Usually the opposite side from the one that is being pulled towards is the culprit.  Either the brake caliper is not applying on the non-pulling side or the brake line may be collapsed and not allowing brake fluid to flow to that side caliper.  You will need to remove the wheel and check to see if the caliper is actuating. 

- You hear a sharp and loud squealing sound as you apply the brakes:  this is usually an indication of brake pad wear.  Many brake pads come with wear indicators.  Once the brake pad wears down to a certain point the metal indicator will rub against the rotor causing this shrieking sound to let you know the pads are getting close to being worn out.  GM products are well known for having brake pad indicators.  If you are hearing a light squeaking sound, your brakes may just have some dust on them or may just be manufactured poorly.  Some break squeak is also normal when your brakes get wet. 

- One wheel locks up when you apply the brake pedal:  this usually indicates a sticky caliper or grease or other foreign material on the brake pads or shoes.  Your caliper may be sticking on the pins that hold it or internally within the piston in the caliper.  You may also have a problem with a brake hose not allowing

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