Brake Repair in Chicago, IL

Common Bad Brake Symptoms

• Squealing or screeching noises
• Wobbling or vibration when braking
• Spongy brake pedal
• Veering to one side when braking
• Brake fluid leaks
• Brake light turned on
• Burning smells from brakes

Common Brake Repairs

1. Brake pad replacement

This service involves replacing the front and/or rear disc brake pads with new ones. Front brake pads typically wear down faster than the rear as they take on more braking force. So, while it isn’t necessary to replace brake pads on all four wheels together, replacing the front or rear brake pads simultaneously is advisable. 

2. Brake rotor replacement

This service involves replacing your front and/or rear brake rotors with new ones. Brake rotors (brake discs) should be replaced in pairs — as in the front or rear rotors — as they generally wear down at the same pace.

3. Brake fluid change

This service involves fully draining your brake lines and refilling them with fresh brake fluid to eliminate contamination, and air, to improve overall braking performance. 

4. Master cylinder replacement

Replacing the master cylinder involves disconnecting it from the brake booster and brake lines and unbolting it from the firewall. Once a new master cylinder is installed, the brake system is flushed of old brake fluid and air.

5. Brake caliper replacement 

This repair involves replacing your front and/or rear brake calipers with new ones. Brake calipers are relatively resilient and designed to last as long as the vehicle (with proper care), so they won’t require frequent replacement.

6. Brake shoe replacement 

This service involves replacing the drum brake shoes with new ones. Drum brakes are usually placed on the rear wheels, though they may be found on all four wheels in older vehicles. You should replace brake shoes on the same axle to prevent imbalanced braking.

7. Brake light switch replacement

The brake light switch is a small component near the brake pedal. A brake light switch replacement is typically required to ensure your brake lights work correctly. Also, a faulty brake light switch can prevent a car with a push-start button from starting. 

8. Brake inspection

This service involves inspecting the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake lines and hoses, and other brake assemblies in disc or drum brakes.

Chicago Brake Repair FAQs

1. How Do I Schedule an Appointment?

Once you select the service you need, AutoNation Mobile Service will help you find a date and time that works with your schedule. 

2. What Should I Expect From a Service Appointment?

Your first appointment with AutoNation Mobile Service is easy. We’ll let you know when we arrive, do a brief assessment of the problem, and set up a location to work on your car, truck, van, or SUV. Once we’ve completed the repair, we’ll let you know, go over any details from the service, collect payment, and be on our way. It’s that simple.

3. How Often Should I Change My Car’s Brake Pads?

Generally, brake pads can last anywhere from 15,000 to 70,000 miles. 

How long your brake pads last depends on several factors, including your vehicle’s make, type of brakes, tire brand, driving habits, tire condition, etc. Front brake pads tend to wear out faster than rear brake pads. So you might need to change out the front brake pads before a rear brake pad replacement. 

4. How Long Do Brake Rotors Last?

On average, conventional steel brake rotors last 15,000 to 70,000 miles. However, rotor wear depends on several factors, such as your driving style, vehicle, and how you treat the brakes.

A carbon-ceramic brake disc can last a lifetime. However, even this rotor’s durable design can be impacted by driving style and conditions. 

5. What Is A Brake System Flush? 

Like most fluids in your car, the brake fluid needs to be replaced eventually, usually as a precautionary measure. 

Why?
Brake fluid can degrade by picking up dirt, metal, rubber debris, etc., over time.

To ensure your brake system has healthy and fresh brake fluid, a certified technician will conduct a brake system flush. This process basically removes all the old fluid from each brake line and replaces it with new, fresh fluid.