Your brakes give you the ability to control your speed and slow down and stop at any time. As mechanical components, your brakes are subject to wear and damage. Damage to your braking system can put you, your car, and other drivers and pedestrians at risk. If your Ford is showing signs of a brake problem, we can fix the problem for you at your Ford dealer. These are signs that you need a brake repair.
Spongy Brakes
You should feel resistance when you step on the brakes, and the more force you exert, the more resistance you should feel. If your pedal feels spongy, your pedal provides almost no resistance. This might not seem like a problem, but it’s a sign that you have low pressure in the braking system. Your brake system needs high pressure to work correctly.
When you apply the brakes, fluid is forced into the brake hoses from the brake fluid reservoir. This pressure creates the hydraulic force necessary for the calipers to close on the wheel rotors and bring your car to a stop. If the system has low pressure, the calipers may not close completely, and your car will have difficulty stopping. Spongy brakes are usually the result of low brake fluid, which a fluid leak could cause.
Burning Brake Fluid
As we saw above, brake fluid is forced into the brake hoses when you step on the brakes. This fluid exerts hydraulic pressure on the calipers that are attached above the wheel rotors. These calipers will close on the rotors, and this movement brings your car to a stop. The pressure in the brake hoses causes the fluid to heat up, and when you take your foot off the brake, the fluid starts to cool down.
If you are riding your brakes, the brake fluid is continually in the hoses. The constant high pressure will keep the fluid hot and can lead to your fluid overheating. If the brake fluid overheats, it will quickly start to boil. Boiling brake fluid gives off a strong chemical smell which is easily noticeable. The most serious problem is that the fluid loses its ability to provide hydraulic power, which reduces your braking ability.
Squealing Noises
When your brake pads are wearing low, they produce a screeching sound as a warning that they need to be replaced. A squealing noise from your brakes is different, and it usually points to rotor problems. Your wheel rotors are attached behind your wheels, and these rotors can sustain damage. Rotors can grow very hot, and combined with the friction of braking, they can develop problems.
The rotors are also exposed to environmental factors like water splashing up from the road. If your car is regularly exposed to water, your rotors can begin to rust. The squealing sound is made by rusted rotors that are having difficulty turning.
If you see signs of brake problems, call our service department right away at Mission Valley Ford Truck Center.
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