Brake Repair Service

All “Front brake service” are not created equal. We all have seen it, the amazing price for brake service but, is it really the “deal” you want? At Packard Auto Repair we believe that the little details make a big difference. Our routine brake repair includes a thorough inspection, cleaning & lubricating calipers slide mechanisms to insure the caliper “floats” properly. Sticking calipers cause uneven brake pad wear & can cause brake pull to one side. Some shops would sell new brake calipers rather than taking the time to properly service the originals. We use a material on the back of the brake pads to minimize brake noise. We will resurface brake rotors when possible however, we recommend replacement of the rotors if we feel they are susceptible to warping which cause brake pulsation. There are many options of brake pads for nearly every vehicle, we recommend a couple of choices based on the vehicle & your driving habits. Yes, we can do an “amazing cheap” brake repair... but, we are confident, you’ll be much happier if we do it correctly the first time.

Brake fluid is a Hot topic... so just why should you Flush the Brake Hydraulic system? Why do many European manufactures state that brake system warranty is void if the brake fluid is not changed every 36 months or 36,000 miles? You probably never think about it but... Brake fluid has some very important requirements.

1. Brake fluid gets incredibly hot so, it requires a high boiling point. During average driving conditions temps will be 100°F to 200°F. But, more demanding conditions, when you need them the most, such as driving through mountains or heavy highway braking, temperatures can exceed 250°F. Or... if the brake system has a problem that causes one or more of the brakes to drag, brake fluid temperature can spike to well over 300°F. If the brake fluid boils the brake pedal will “fade”, feel spongy and likely result in nearly no braking response at all.
    
2. Just like condensation forms on glass of ice tea on a hot summer day, condensation can form inside the brake system as it transitions from hot to cold and cold to hot. Also, brake fluid attracts moisture through microscopic pores in rubber hoses, past seals and exposure to moisture in the air. The problem is obviously worse in wet climates where humidity is high. After 18 months, the level of condensation can be as high as three percent. And after several years of service, it is not unusual to find brake fluid that contains as much as seven to eight percent water. So... what’s so bad about moisture in brake fluid? Note on the chart below, how just a little moisture will dramatically lower the boiling point... which increases the risk of brake failure.
3. Moisture also increases the risk of expensive brake repairs. Well, as if risk of brake failure isn’t enough of a reason, how about minimizing the risk of expensive brake repairs. Since the mid 90’s most vehicles have Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS). ABS system has a high pressure pump with many small valves that send up to 16 “pulses” per second to individual wheels. The last thing you want is for moisture to create corrosion in the ABS pump / valve assembly... that corrosion can lead to some very expensive brake repairs.
    
4. A number of import car makers recommend routine brake fluid changes for preventive maintenance at specific time/mileage intervals:

• Acura: 36 months 
• Audi: 24 months
• BMW: 24 months, or when indicated by Service Inspection Indicator
• Honda: 36 months
• Jaguar: 24 months (all models except 2009 XF at 36 months)
• Land Rover: 36 months
• Lexus: 36 months or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first
• Mercedes-Benz: 24 months
• MINI: 24 months
• Saab: 48 months (all models except 9-7X)
• Smart: 24 months or 20,000 miles, which ever comes first
• Subaru: 30 months or 30,000 miles (normal service) or 15 months/15,000 miles (severe service).
• Suzuki: 24 months or 30,000 miles, which ever comes first (Florenzi & Reno), 60 months or 60,000 miles (Grand Vitara and SX4).
• Volkswagen: 24 months (New Beetle, City Gold, City Jetta), 36 months (all other models except Roatan).
• Volvo: 24 months or 37,000 miles (Normal), or 12 months (severe service).
   

1. So... what about domestic manufactures... Good question. General Motors & Chrysler do not mention brake fluid in their maintenance schedule. Ford was recommending flushing the brake fluid every 36,000 miles or 3 years... however, currently, Ford no longer has time or mileage recommendation for flushing brake fluid.