What To Expect During A Brake Inspection

Having problems with your brakes and want to take it to a mechanic for a brake inspection? If so, you're likely wondering what is involved to have this task done. Here is what to expect from your local auto shop to verify the condition of your brakes.

Removing The Wheels And Brake Drums

The mechanic starts by lifting your vehicle off the ground and removing the wheels. This will allow the mechanic to have easy access to the brake pads and the rotors to perform an inspection of all the critical parts. The brake drum will also need to be removed, which can be quite messy. There is often dust on the inside of the brake drum that will fall out as the drum is being removed.

Inspecting The Brake Drums

The first thing that the mechanic will do is visually check the brake drum for scores along the inside to tell if the brake drum is damaged. If it's good, a caliper will be used to make sure that the brake drum is not warped or undersized by taking measurements across the part. The mechanic will also look for wheel cylinder leaks inside the brake drum since they can cause the brake shoes to become contaminated. The springs will also be inspected since damaged or missing springs can cause the brakes to not work correctly. The thickness of the brake shoe will be inspected for cracks, worn down spots, or anything that looks unusual.

The brake drum will then be put back onto the vehicle. Once it is fully seated, the mechanic will test to see how the brake drum spins. The brake should stop spinning after rotating about 360 degrees. If not, then the brake pads are overtightened and applying too much pressure. 

Inspecting The Calipers And Brake Pads

The calipers will need to be removed in order to get to the brake pads. The calipers themselves should not be leaking any fluids and will be visually inspected for damage. With the calipers removed, the brake pads will now be exposed for a visual inspection. The mechanic will remove the brake pads to inspect them, which is mainly done by looking for uneven wear and if the brake pads are free of scoring or visual hot spots. Even if the pad is still thick, the pads may need replacement if they are cracking. Measurements of the brake pads can be taken to estimate how many miles are left in them before replacement is necessary.

To learn more, contact a local brake service.

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