Theoretical brake wear: Do brake pads wear out faster, slower, or at the same rate if you brake later and harder than normal? [more inside]
posted by Liver on Oct 15, 2009 - 17 answers

Give me a brake!...I'd like to have a clue about brake rotors. I'm getting my brakes repaired today, and don't want to replace brake rotors if I don't need to. Thing is... I don't know squat about brake rotors so could be easily taken for a ride on the rotormobile. How can I ask the right questions to make sure I really need rotors if the mechanic recommends they be replaced?
posted by ecorrocio on Oct 15, 2009 - 10 answers

I've just changed the disc brake pads on my bicycle and now the calipers won't 'grab' onto the metal disc enough to brake effectively... [more inside]
posted by hairgelburrito on Oct 12, 2009 - 4 answers

If I want to extend the life of the brakes on my car, how should I drive the hill close to my house? [more inside]
posted by SoulOnIce on Oct 11, 2009 - 25 answers

Are there any preventative measures, leaving aside driving the car every day, that will prevent my brakes from rusting like mad? [more inside]
posted by Cold Lurkey on Sep 16, 2009 - 12 answers

How badly am I getting ripped off? By poor, poor car, a '02 VW 1.8T with ~168,000 kms on it, needs a lot of work. $2600 worth. [more inside]
posted by cgg on Sep 3, 2009 - 13 answers

[Autofilter] My brakes make a grinding sound when I first start driving. After I use the brakes several times, usually after 5-10 minutes of driving (sometimes more), they're back to normal. In addition to the grinding sound, it's much harder to push down on the brake- this also disappears after using my brakes enough. What's up? [more inside]
posted by spaltavian on Aug 9, 2009 - 17 answers

Is it dangerous and/or damaging to my car to drive with a malfunctioning ABS module? [more inside]
posted by Dilemma on Jul 30, 2009 - 18 answers

MeChanics, a moment, please! Could wheel bearing failure be caused by improperly replacing brakes/rotors on my car? [more inside]
posted by Jinkeez on Jul 15, 2009 - 9 answers

Where can I get my brakes fixed on a Sunday in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by thesmallmachine on May 3, 2009 - 2 answers

What kind of disc brakes and brake levers (if necessary) should I get for my new commuting bike? [more inside]
posted by Captain Rayford Steele, Tribulation Force on Dec 31, 2008 - 14 answers

RaceCarFilter: I'm speccing out my rally car. What do I do about brakes? [more inside]
posted by Netzapper on Sep 12, 2008 - 2 answers

Car-repair-filter: Any mechanics got a trick for freeing a stuck brake piston? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jul 9, 2008 - 8 answers

I'm an ignorant person when it comes to cars, so this is a pretty dumb question. I own a 2007 PT Cruiser which has no anti-lock brakes. It skids like crazy, and got me into a minor accident. Is there any way I can get add anti-lock breaks to it? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Jun 13, 2008 - 22 answers

I took my 04 Camry in for a brake job. Rotors were warped, pads were fine (they weren't making a sound). The mechanic replaced pads and rotors. I paid hundreds of dollars. Now, 200 miles after the work, my pads are shrieking. Can anyone think of why this might happen?
posted by jimmyjimjim on May 13, 2008 - 18 answers

Auto: I need to replace my brakes on my 2005 Audi A4. Do I have any other options than factory brakes from the dealership? Are there brakes on the market that perform at or above what I would expect from factory brakes?
posted by Mr_Crazyhorse on Nov 3, 2007 - 11 answers

While my taillights are off, my brake lights work just fine. When they are on, my left one goes out. How can I fix this? I'm driving a mid 80's Volvo. My car uses the same bulb for taillight and brake-light. Basically, while my taillights are supposed to be on, and I step on the brakes, that entire bulb turns off (on the left side). [more inside]
posted by k7lim on Oct 6, 2007 - 7 answers

New car buying filter: We are in the market for a new car and have seen the model we want on a dealers lot, but it lacks one option that I feel is a must - ABS [more inside]
posted by 543DoublePlay on Oct 5, 2007 - 14 answers

I want to do minor maintenance on my cars (oil changes, brake checks, and so on), but I don't have a garage to do it in or a concrete driveway. All I have is a gravel / dirt driveway to work on. I would like to jack up my cars (and put them on jack stands), but I'm not comfortable at all doing it on this kind of surface. How can I do this without putting myself in harms way? [more inside]
posted by bigmusic on Sep 24, 2007 - 9 answers

Teach me the best way to drive to save my brakes [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb on Sep 20, 2007 - 29 answers

I need to find a reliable auto repair shop in Tempe/Phoenix AZ for some brake work. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape on Aug 3, 2007 - 5 answers

Roughly how much will it cost to fix a seized rear brake on a 1990 Dodge Colt? [more inside]
posted by timeistight on Jul 6, 2007 - 11 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for Volkswagen service and brake service in San Francisco. [more inside]
posted by kirkaracha on Feb 23, 2007 - 9 answers

I seem to be getting horrible mpg after changing my own disk brakes. [more inside]
posted by spork on Dec 6, 2006 - 10 answers

My car has developed pulsing brakes and a low-speed wobble, for the second time in under 2 years. Help me get it fixed right this time, please? [more inside]
posted by vytae on Nov 28, 2006 - 17 answers

BrakeFilter: Do I really need to turn the rotors and replace the calipers? [more inside]
posted by Andrew Brinton on Oct 24, 2006 - 7 answers

Car-filter: There is something squealy and squeeking on my automobile-type machine. Help clueless person. [more inside]
posted by typewriter on Oct 19, 2006 - 15 answers

Car Repair Advice: '99 Infiniti I30. Needs new front & rear brake pads, rotors, struts, rear shocks, and drive belts. Mostly looking for advice on how to intelligently shop around for repairs, and mostly for brake-related repairs. [more inside]
posted by sirion on Oct 4, 2006 - 4 answers

I'm having an extremely weird brake problem with my '94 Grand Am. [more inside]
posted by booticon on Sep 26, 2006 - 11 answers

CarFilter: With regard to brakes... 3 out of 4 ain't bad? [more inside]
posted by knave on Sep 23, 2006 - 11 answers

CarRepairFilter: Help me figure out what's going on with my usually well-behaved car, and what, if anything, it might have to do with a letter I got from Acura back in January... [more inside]
posted by Vervain on Aug 23, 2006 - 11 answers

Our front brakes were making a grinding noise. The shop (which was recommended by neighbors, fwiw) said our rotors were damaged by excessively hard brake pads, and replaced the rotors. They suggested we get the pads changed too. It is making the grinding sound again. [more inside]
posted by craniac on Jul 18, 2006 - 14 answers

A reasonable price for a brake job? [more inside]
posted by zerokey on Jun 8, 2006 - 21 answers

What happened to my brakes? [more inside]
posted by skallas on May 15, 2006 - 15 answers

The front wheels are making a grinding noise when I move the steering wheel to the left ('98 Accord.) Happens even when the brakes aren't being pressed. Can anyone provide a Bill Frist-style remote diagnosis, and will I regret it if I don't bring it in to the shop for two more days?
posted by Saucy Intruder on Apr 11, 2006 - 25 answers

I was out of town for three weeks and left my car in the open (almost) and due to the cold weather I had tough time getting it started yesterday. The AAA guy said it was very likely moisture in the gas, etc. But eventually after much cranking and screeching and some initial smoke it seems to working ok again. However, I also noticed I get a thumping noise coming from wheels or somewhere close by when I brake. I was wondering if somebody can tell me if it is related to cold weather also. I put the car in the garage yesterday. But the noise seems to be still there. I am not sure if it has lessened somewhat or not. [more inside]
posted by flyby22 on Jan 17, 2006 - 8 answers

What benefits and disadvantages does having disk brakes on a bicycle provide?
posted by pheideaux on Sep 26, 2005 - 17 answers

Can anyone give me some advice before I file a small claims court lawsuit against an Auto Service Center. [more inside]
posted by gummo on May 2, 2005 - 9 answers

I just bought a used motorcycle that needs some work. Warning...i'm asking a stupid question. More inside. [more inside]
posted by milkman on Feb 4, 2005 - 13 answers

ScaryCarNoiseFilter: I have a 99 Civic, 50K miles. I'm a new 2nd owner. Today it started making an odd noise as I was coming off the Interstate: a rattle from the front passenger wheel-area which increased in volume as I braked. And it increases in intensity when I brake while going around curves.

It is an intermittent sound; mostly when turning while braking, and or braking @ higher speeds (75+). Also, there is no steering vibration associated with the sound. Any suggestions? A friend suggested CV Boot or CV Joints.
Is that spendy to fix? (it seemed like a good buy at the time!)
posted by atlatl on Nov 19, 2004 - 15 answers