TOLMAN'S AUTO-TECH GROUP

5455 Auto Court, Allendale MI 49401
PHONE: (616) 895-7500
STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri: 8AM-5:30PM | Sat: 8AM-Noon

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BRAKES & ABS

The wheel hub keeps your wheel attached to the vehicle. The brake disc - or rotor - is attached to the hub and spins with the wheel as you drive. Your brake pads clamp onto the rotor to slow the wheel. The brake caliper straddles the rotor and squeezes the rotor to slow it down. The calipers contain brake pads which rub on the rotor when you step on the brakes. The brake piston causes the calipers to squeeze and release as you use your brakes.

Your vehicle brake pads start to wear the first time you step on the brakes. Eventually the pads are warm out and need to be replace. If you don't replace brake pads when they're worn out, the metal parts of the brake will grind against the rotor and carve grooves into surface.

If a scored rotor isn't too bad, your technician can put the rotor on the lathe and smooth it out. If the grooves are too deep, or if the rotor is warped or cracked, you need to replace it. At Tolman's Auto-Tech, we have been servicing disc brakes for motorists for 30 years.

Servicing disc brakes at Tolman's Auto-Tech require special attention to the mechanical sliding and mounting portions of the system. Your Tolman's Auto-Tech service supplier knows the special needs. Sometimes brake pistons can stick and must be replaced. Typically it's cheaper to replace the entire caliper than to rebuild the piston.

Brakes that work properly are essential to your safety as you drive and stop. You want to carefully maintain your brakes. In vehicles equipped with drum brakes, the brake components are housed inside a drum that rotates with the wheel. When you step on the brake pedal, brake shoes push out against the inside of the drum, slowing the wheel.

Now brake shoes just wear away with use from rubbing on the drum as you brake. When it's time to replace brake shoes, it's a straight-forward repair.

If you hear squealing or grinding when braking, have your Tolman's Auto-Tech check them out. A technician will perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done. He'll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they're working properly.

He can tell you if it's time to replace the brake shoes or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed. Some people ignore the warning signs and keep driving long after the shoes are completely worn out. When that happens, metal brake components will grind against the drum, damaging it enough that it has to be resurfaced or replaced.

When you push on your brake pedal, the wheel cylinder is activated and it pushes the shoes against the drum to slow the vehicle. This cylinder, and various springs within the brake, can wear out affecting your ability to stop. The worn components can be easily replaced.

The new brake shoes we put on you pick up or other vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers' specifications. Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust. We have several options to meet your braking requirements and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely - and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.