Below you’ll find links to fluff-free brake system explanations and a brake component glossary; we cover common brake system problems, including illustrated step-by-step repair guides and the tools and parts needed. You’ll also find a ton of other brake system repair resources right here on this page.
Brakes Index
- Brake Component Location & Function
- Brake Repair Terminology
- Common Brake Repairs
- Brake Repair Tools
- Brake Parts & Supplies
- Common Brake Fault Symptoms
- Brake System Fastener Torque Specification
Brake Component Location & Function
Below you’ll find links to fluff-free explanations of brake system components and an illustration indicating where you’ll find them on your car.
- ABS module
- ABS wheel speed sensor
- Brake booster
- Brake caliper
- Brake drum
- Brake cylinder
- Brake fluid
- Brake hose
- Flexi hose
- Brake master cylinder
- Brake line
- Brake pad
- Brake rotor
- Brake shoe
- Brake pipe
- Proportional valve
- Banjo bolt
- Bleed nipple
Brake Repair Terminology
Below you’ll find links to common brake repair terminology; you know… the words a mechanic might use when describing brake repairs.
- Bleed brakes
- Burnish brake pads
- Brake pad glazing
- Perished brake hoses
- Warped rotors
- Brake pedal pulsing
- Brake fluid flush
- Brake dust
- Brake drag
- Brake squeal
Common Brake Repairs
Below you’ll find links to illustrated DIY stepped guides for common brake system repairs.
- How to Check Brake Pads
- How to Replace Front Brake Pads
- How to Replace Brake Rotors
- How to Replace Brake Caliper
- How to Bleed Brakes
- Flush Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Brake Repair Tools
Below you’ll find links to brake repair tools I recommend, together with tips on how to use them.
- Wind back tool
- Brake bleed kit
- Brake pad inspection tool
- Brake line flaring tool
- Torque wrench
- Brake shoe tool kit
- EPB release & scan tool
Brake Parts & Supplies
Below you’ll find links to brake parts & supplies I recommend.
- Brake calipers
- Brake pads
- Brake rotors
- Brake drums
- Brake cylinders
- Brake shoes
- Brake fluid
- Brake lines
- Copper paste
- Anti squeal paste
- Synthetic grease
- Brake cleaner
Brake parts FAQs
- Does Walmart fix brakes?
- Can I just add brake fluid?
- Are Autozone brakes good?
- Are Wilwood brakes worth it?
- Are Autozone pads good?
Brake Repairs By Symptom
Typically brake symptoms are described by how the brake pedal feels when pressed; a pulsating pedal, a low pedal, and a sinking pedal are all common descriptions.
Below you’ll find links to common brake-related fault symptoms, together with how to diagnose and fix them.
- Brakes stopping abruptly
- New brakes smoking on one side
- Rear caliper won’t depress
- Brake hose causing caliper to stick
- No brakes after changing brake pads
- Spongy brakes after bleeding
- Rotors won’t come off
- Brake caliper won’t go in
- EPB won’t release
- Brakes very sensitive
- Brake calipers loose
- Low brake fluid level
- Brake pads won’t fit
- Brakes won’t bleed
- Brakes binding
- Brake system warning light on
- Car brakes smoking
- Brakes making grinding noise
- Rotors keep warping
- Wind back caliper without tool
- What causes a wheel to lock up?
- How to bleed brakes without bleeder?
- Will air in the brake lines go away?
- Will car brakes work without fluid?
- Bleed all brakes when changing caliper?
- What causes a wheel to get hot?
- How long should F150 brakes last?
- Are rotors hard to change?
Brake System Fastener Torque Specification
Below you’ll find links to typical brake system hardware fastener torque specifications.
- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.