Brakes rarely fail without warning. Almost always they tell you through a sound, a vibration, the feel of the pedal or how the car behaves when you brake. The trouble is that people quickly get used to these signals. In this article we explain each sign separately, say how urgently you should act, and finish with three real brake jobs from our workshop.
The signs at a glance
| Sign | Most common cause | How urgent |
|---|---|---|
| High-pitched squeal when braking | Pads worn down to the wear indicator | Within the next few weeks |
| Metallic grinding | Pads worn to the metal, the disc is being damaged | Immediately |
| Vibration in the pedal or steering wheel | Warped or unevenly worn discs | Soon |
| Car pulls to one side when braking | Seized caliper or caliper slide pins | Soon |
| One wheel very hot after a drive | Caliper not releasing | Soon |
| Soft or sinking pedal | Air in the system, a leak or old fluid | Immediately |
| Brake or ABS warning light | Low fluid level, worn pads or ABS sensor | Check soon |
Squealing or grinding
If the brakes squeal only for the first few stops after rain or a night outside, it’s usually a thin layer of rust on the discs, and it disappears after a few brake applications. A constant high-pitched squeal often comes from the wear indicator: a small metal tab that starts rubbing against the disc once the pads are thin.
Metallic grinding means the linings are worn down to the backing plate and metal is rubbing on metal. Then the disc is damaged with every stop and can no longer be saved.
Vibration when braking
If the pedal or steering wheel shakes when you brake from higher speed, the discs are usually warped or unevenly worn. This happens after long, hard braking or when hot discs meet cold water. Discs are replaced in pairs on an axle, and new discs always get new pads.
The car pulls to one side or one wheel gets hot
In Latvian winters, road salt and moisture quickly corrode the caliper slide pins. The caliper starts to stick, one pad presses harder, and the car pulls to that side when braking. Another sign is one wheel that is much hotter than the others after a drive, along with a distinct smell.
That’s why, when we change pads, we clean and grease the caliper slide pins. Without this the new pads wear unevenly and the brakes can overheat.
A soft or sinking pedal
This is the most urgent sign. The pedal goes soft if there is air in the system, a leak or old fluid. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, so over the years its boiling point drops, and during long braking it can boil. Most manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every two years. If the pedal sinks to the floor, don’t drive the car and call a workshop.
Three real brake jobs from our workshop
Audi A3 1.6 TDI (2017): rear brakes and fluid
The rear discs and pads were worn, and the brake fluid was due for a change. We fitted Brembo discs and pads, cleaned the rust off the caliper seats, filled TRW DOT4 fluid and bled the system. Now the pedal is firm and there’s no vibration when braking. Read about this job
Audi A6 Allroad 2.7 TDI (2007): pads and caliper service
The front brake pads were worn and a scheduled service was due. We fitted ABE pads and cleaned and greased the caliper slide pins. The brakes now work freely and evenly and don’t overheat. Read about this job
BMW 420d F36: discs, pads and caliper repair kits
The front brakes were worn. We fitted Ate discs, pads and caliper repair kits. During the same visit we also found why the battery went flat while parked: a 0.6 A current drain in the FEM module. Read about this job
How often to check your brakes
It’s worth having the brakes looked at during every service and at the seasonal tyre change, when the wheels are off anyway. Change the fluid every two years or as the manufacturer specifies. Before the roadworthiness test we always check the brakes, because uneven braking is one of the most common reasons a car fails it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive if my brakes squeal?
If they squeal only for the first few stops after rain, it’s rust on the disc and that’s normal. If the squeal is constant or you hear metallic grinding, book a check as soon as possible.
Do brake discs need replacing together with the pads?
New discs always get new pads. Pads are often replaced on their own if the discs are still thick and smooth enough. Both discs and pads are replaced in pairs on an axle.
How often should brake fluid be changed?
Most manufacturers recommend every two years. The fluid absorbs moisture, and old fluid can boil during long braking, which makes the pedal soft.
How much does brake repair cost?
It depends on the car and the parts to be replaced. At GT Garage the work starts with diagnostics from €40, then the mechanic agrees the price with you, and we only start the repair with your approval.
Noticed one of the signs? Book a brake check at GT Garage in Teika, Krustabaznīcas iela 12C, or call +371 23 777 337.
