Quick question about brakes

[LakerGod]

The 'brake' light on my car has been on for a while now. I've never seen this light before, even when I've worn my brake pads to the very end. I'm guessing i have to change them again. Here is my question: what is a reliable place to change brake pads? I've had my pads changed before by various local mechanics, and every time i've had them changed they've squeaked about half the time i brake. I'm driving a Nissan Maxima '96, so I dunno if this is a common problem. Any suggestions on Brake establishments would be appreciated. :heart:

 

[Brutuskend]

Have you checked your FLUID?

That's where I would start before I had my pads changed.

 

[LakerGod]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
Have you checked your FLUID?

That's where I would start before I had my pads changed.

How do i check it?

I love driving cars, but i'll admit i know jack sh!t about them.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
Have you checked your FLUID?

That's where I would start before I had my pads changed.

He's right, start there. Do you have the owners manual? It's very simple.

 

[Colt45]

open the hood, look at the brake fluid canister, see if its above the "low" line. about as simple as that. lol

 

[Spoooon]

I thought I read somewhere that some ABS brakes will squeal a little bit no matter what. Maybe one of the resident mechanics can clear the matter up.

 

[SuperSix]

More than likely, it's not the pads. Could be a leaky wheel cylinder/caliper, master cylinder, ABS system failure, or something else. Talk to friends, people at work and get recommendations for them. I've had mixed results with Just Brakes (A big chain here in FLorida)..

And the #1 thing - stop driving the car until the brakes are fixed. THat light is there for a reason, OIL and BRAKE lights need to be tended to immediately.

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
Have you checked your FLUID?

That's where I would start before I had my pads changed.

As the pads wear, the fluid level in the master cylinder drops. It could indeed be a sign of worn pads. If you add fluid, when the pads are changed and the caliper pistons are compressed to make room for them, the fluid is forced back to the master cylinder, which then overflows :|

As far as a shop recommendation, I prefer a good local shop. Ask some people who have nice, well-maintained cars where they get their brakes done.


JC

 

[LakerGod]

Originally posted by: Spoooon
I thought I read somewhere that some ABS brakes will squeal a little bit no matter what. Maybe one of the resident mechanics can clear the matter up.

I have no idea what's wrong. My car almost always gives a high-pitched squeal almost everytime I brake. I've asked some mechanics, but i've never really gotten an answer.

 

[Brutuskend]

There is a little plastic thingy on the fire wall, probably (if you have power brakes) located infront of the drivers side on a round metal thingy (The Vac. booster for your power brakes). It will be clear-ish white colored with a black screw on lid. The thing will have a few lines on it with fluid levels marked off. Make sure it's at the full mark.

 

[LakerGod]

Then does anybody know a good shop in the Los Angeles area? My friend recommended Brake Masters. I wouldn't mind going someplace that specialized in brakes.

 

[LS20]

your brake could squeal due to accumulated brake dust... when the car has been sitting for a while (so u dont warp the rotor), id spray water all up in the wheel/brake area... all up in that biznatch@!

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: LakerGod

Originally posted by: Spoooon
I thought I read somewhere that some ABS brakes will squeal a little bit no matter what. Maybe one of the resident mechanics can clear the matter up.

I have no idea what's wrong. My car almost always gives a high-pitched squeal almost everytime I brake. I've asked some mechanics, but i've never really gotten an answer.

ABS has nothing to do with squeaking. There are various things to preclude it, such as shims, glues, proper pads, proper rotor resurfacing, and some tricks that good mechanics know.

 

[olds]

Look for something like this.

 

[Brutuskend]

Also some pads just squeek more than others (metalic over NON Metalic). When changing out pads there is a compound you should put on the BACK of the pads that help reduce squeeking.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: LakerGod
Then does anybody know a good shop in the Los Angeles area? My friend recommended Brake Masters. I wouldn't mind going someplace that specialized in brakes.

Where in Los Angeles?

 

[LakerGod]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: LakerGod
Then does anybody know a good shop in the Los Angeles area? My friend recommended Brake Masters. I wouldn't mind going someplace that specialized in brakes.

Where in Los Angeles?

Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank area.

Or I go to school in the Northridge area.

 

[Marshallj]

Originally posted by: LakerGod
The 'brake' light on my car has been on for a while now. I've never seen this light before, even when I've worn my brake pads to the very end. I'm guessing i have to change them again. Here is my question: what is a reliable place to change brake pads? I've had my pads changed before by various local mechanics, and every time i've had them changed they've squeaked about half the time i brake. I'm driving a Nissan Maxima '96, so I dunno if this is a common problem. Any suggestions on Brake establishments would be appreciated. :heart:

Buy a Haynes manual and learn to change your brakes yourself. It's easy as pie and won't cost you much. Much better than paying someone who doesn't really care about your car.

I exclusively work on my own cars.