Posts

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Mazda 5 Brake Problems-crawls in with Brakes Problem making a bad Grinding noise?

/in /by

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Mazda 5 Brake Problems
Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

One of the benefits of being an independent garage is the huge diversity of cars that pass through our doors, and our ability to service and fix most of them. I say most of them, because we do have some problems with electrical faults, that can’t be detected without specialists equipment and so in that case we have a couple of different guys who are mobile  electrical specialists. Otherwise we can cope with most car problems.

One popular car to run around Halifax UK, is the Mazda 5. The most popular ones being the different Mazda sports cars, that in my opinion were a similarity to our own beloved MGB sport cars, they all look very much alike.

Mazda’s have come a long way since the 1960’s, when they were inspired by the development of the NSU and the Wankel engine. I remember this little car very well; a mechanic friend bought one and showed me the strange engine that was belt driven. The car was also very fast once it got going and the guy used to frighten me to death: eventually the engine blew up and the car was scrapped.

Mazda were very interested in the German technology

So the Japanese car company formed a business alliance. Of course, with the German car company NSU. In 1967 Mazda started to make a limited production model called the Cosmo Sport and eventually became the sole makers of the Wankel engine, this was only because all the other car companies had given up making the rotary engine.

The Mazda car company was beginning to get a good reputation and started exporting their cars from Japan, both the rotary engine and the standard type piston engine layout, all over the World. These cars were primarily the rotary engine cars, especially the RX models, the RX 2, 3 and 4, were the biggest sellers.

In recent years many other very reputable models were introduced to the UK car market and this brings me onto the Mazda 5 that came into us with brake problems. The customer

originally rang us up for a Brake Replacement Cost, but we explained that we could not tell what the problem was until we removed all the wheels and inspected the Car Brakes including the Car Brake Pads, to see what the problem was.

The customer was a lady with a couple of children and we promised to do the best price for her. This Mazda 5 is a very fuel efficient car with great style and with the performance is a very desirable people carrier and so is very popular as a family car.

The Mazda was left with us for the day with a promise to call the lady with a Mazda 5 Brake Problems, as soon as the problem was assessed.

We pulled the car onto the car-ramp and removed all the wheels for a brake inspection

The original problem on the Mazda 5 was that the Mazda 5 Brake Problems were making a terrible grinding noise, and we soon found out why? The front brake caliper’s was half seized up.

This means that only one of the front Brake Pads were actually working. The one pad that was doing the work wore out quicker than the other pad. Until it went down to the bare metal. Hence,this is what made the terrible grinding noise. From the front of the car.

The other front Disc Brakes were also in need of replacing, so we gave the lady an estimate, and we were given the go-ahead to do the work on the Mazda 5. Luckily, the brake calliper could be freed off with a little heat and did not need replacing. All the other parts—the discs and pads—were replaced. The rear brakes were in good condition and only required a clean-up and the drums replaced.

This type of problem is a common fault with brake discs. Thus, it is one of the reasons that you should have your car and your brakes serviced. Of course, here in the PellonAutocentre Halifax area, we service car brakes on most car makes and models. In a service, one of the things that we do is clean and grease the caliper’s. So that they do not seize up and frighten the customer to death. especially when they hear the dreaded grinding noise of metal on metal. Naturally, when their brake pads wear out,

The job was completed, and the happy customer picked up her car in the evening.Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer Mazda 5 car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Also selling tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing.

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Brake Juddering Causes-What is it?

/3 Comments/in /by

Brake Juddering Causes

Foot pedal vibrations lead to the brake juddering experience

So, one of the first signs of brake juddering problems. Firstly, is when you can feel a vibration coming through your foot pedal. Secondly, when you press the clutch pedal. So, to brake and stop your car. Some of our customers say that it was a long drawn out process. Eventually though the brake began to get worse. Including the vibrations starting to come through the steering wheel.

Unfortunately, some of our customers think that the vibration is a wheel balancing problem! We also have to check out the problem with a correct diagnosis. However a braking problem will usually come through the brake pedal. So then this is a sure sign of a brake problem.

Unfortunately, one of the main Brake Juddering Causes come from elderly drivers. Significantly, who always cover the brake pedal with their right foot. This applies to manual gear changes or automatic, they what I call “ride the brake” some drivers also do this with the clutch but that’s a different article to cover. What happens if you ride the brake? Well one of the problems is that you are applying extra pressure onto the brake pads that are constantly in contact with the brake discs (brake rotors in the USA). These in turn over heat the discs, and the discs then warp and go out of shape.

Brake juddering is a bigger problem in hilly areas

In my opinion though, driver fault is not the main reason for warped brake discs. I think that the main cause is the terrain. We here in Halifax are in a hilly area and we get a high occurrence of warped brake discs and brake juddering faults from our customers.

In areas where there is very steep inclines, then drivers are more likely to keep their foot on the brakes. Some of the hills in the Hebden Bridge area are like alpine passes with 180 degree bends to contend with. When you come down these roads you have to keep the car in a low gear and be prepared for a vehicle coming up the hill, without braking all the time.

This constant braking is what overheats the discs and causes them to warp and vibrate giving Brake Juddering through your brake pedal. Some garages have a machine that will skim the brakes and stop the vibrating, but I think that once they have overheating then they do not work to their full potential and there for a new set of pads and discs is the best option.

Improved brake technology

Over the years car manufacturers have brought in new technology to balance out the disc overheating problem and try to eliminate the Brake Juddering Causes. Including different metals that can stand more heat and also the disc parts

that now come out with holes drilled in the metal at calculated intervals, for heat dispersal. This can work very well; you can see brake discs actually glowing red hot on some motor sport cars when they have to brake very often at high speed, some can be seen to be glowing white hot in the dark.

This has the same effect as the regular car driven by a regular driver. So, try to avoid heavy braking especially at high speed.  Keep your distance and try not to brake heavily. When you are driving down a steep hill, use a low gear and use the car’s engine as a brake, try not to press the brake pedal constantly.

Have your brakes inspected at regular intervals when the car is serviced. Of course, any worn discs or pads will be picked up by the garage. Importantly, we can even spot a disc that has been overheated in the past.  Because the disc has a blue coloured sheen on it. Remember like many other things to do with a car, prevention is better than a cure.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and Car Brake Repairs to all makes of vehicles.

worn out rusty brake discs

What causes Brake Discs to Wear Out

/1 Comment/in /by

What causes Brake Discs to Wear Out

What causes Brake Discs to Wear Out

Unfortunately, I remember the days before brake discs were fitted to our cars. In fact brake shoes were the norm for most regular car models. Indeed my first encounter with disc brakes were on a Jaguar belonging to the son of a wealthy millowner. We used to service his vehicles and the jaguar was one of them. However, as an apprentice then I never got to touch the car. But I remember being shown how the disc system worked.

Hence, It was explained to me that brake discs are subjected to constant friction and heat during the braking process. However, over time, the repeated exposure to these elements can cause the discs to wear out. In addition, other factors that can contribute to brake disc wear include:

Driving Style

Accordingly, aggressive driving habits such as frequent hard braking and riding the brakes can accelerate the wear of the brake discs. (Boy racers come to mind)

Driving Conditions

Driving in stop-and-go traffic, mountainous terrain, or on rough roads can cause excessive wear on the brake discs.

Poor Quality Brake Pads

So this along with corrosion is the most common cause for disc wear. Low-quality brake pads can cause uneven wear on the brake discs, leading to premature failure.

Corrosion

Exposure to moisture, salt, and other environmental elements can cause corrosion on the brake discs, leading to accelerated wear. Especially the rear discs, that dont get as much use as the front discs.

How Can You Tell if Your Brake Discs are Worn Out?

There are several signs that can indicate worn-out brake discs, including:

Vibration

So, when driving along If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it may be due to worn-out brake discs. Many of my customers think this is something to do with wheel balance. But it is a different type of vibration caused by wheel balance.

Squeaking or Grinding Noise

Yet another common cause is when the driver can hear, squeaking or grinding noises when braking. Of course, that can indicate that the brake pads have worn down to the metal and are damaging the brake discs.

Reduced Braking Performance

So, when the discs  are subjected to hours of heating then the metal changes construction and softens. When this occurs it takes longer to stop your vehicle than usual or the brakes feel less responsive. Consequently, it may also be due to worn-out brake discs.

  • Visual Inspection

You can visually inspect the brake discs for signs of wear. If the disc has deep grooves, cracks, or a blue colour, it may be due to excessive heat and wear.

  • What Should You Do If Your Brake Discs are Worn Out?

If you suspect that your brake discs are worn out, it is essential to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Replace the Brake Discs

If the brake discs are worn beyond their service limit, they must be replaced. It is essential to replace both brake discs on the same axle to ensure proper                   braking performance.

  • Replace the Brake Pads

Most commonly, then worn-out brake pads can cause excessive wear on the brake discs. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the brake pads at the same time as the brake discs.

  • Check the Brake System Components

It is essential to have the entire brake system inspected for wear and damage. Components such as brake callipers, brake hoses, and brake fluid should be                inspected and replaced if necessary.

What can I do ? Upgrade to High-Quality Brake Components

If you frequently drive in challenging conditions or want to improve braking performance. Consider upgrading to higher-quality brake components such as ceramic brake pads or drilled and slotted brake discs.

  1. How Can You Prevent Brake Disc Wear?

Regular maintenance and driving habits can help prolong the life of your brake discs. Here are some tips:

     2. Avoid Aggressive Driving Habits

Frequent hard braking and riding the brakes can accelerate the wear of the brake discs.

      3. Drive Carefully on Rough Roads

Driving on rough or unpaved roads can cause excessive wear on the brake discs.

      4.Use High-Quality Brake Components

High-quality brake pads and discs can last longer and provide better safety risk for your family and friends.

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Cheap Brake Pads are they Worth It?

/0 Comments/in /by

Cheap Brake Pads

Cheap Brake Pads

Of course, your vehicle’s braking system is composed of multiple components. Subsequently, working in tandem to bring your vehicle to a halt once the brake pedal is engaged. The hydraulic system, which most automobiles utilize. Hence, uses fluid to transmit the pressure from the brake pedal to the brake. The brake discs, a wheel-mounted concave disk. Converts the kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is subsequently absorbed and dissipated by the brake.

Brake fluid is stored within the master cylinder and flows into the callipers through the brake Pipes(lines) Of course, which clamp the brake pads onto the rotors. Thus stopping the vehicle. The brake pads, which are composed of steel with surface-bound friction material. Ultimately, press against the rotor and create the necessary friction to decelerate and halt the car.

As all motorists know to their cost, then eventually, the pads will deteriorate due to constant contact with the rotors. Furthermore, driving habits can affect the brake pad’s lifespan. For instance, frequent braking or driving through urban areas. Which require frequent stops and starts, can necessitate brake pad replacement on a more often.

Four brake pad types are available, each with distinct performance and cost differences.

They are, in order of increasing price:

• Low-Metallic, Non-Asbestos Organic: These brake pads are budget-friendly, but they are also the loudest and generate the most brake dust, which can reduce braking effectiveness.

• Non-Asbestos Organic: These brake pads are made of rubber, glass, fiber, or Kevlar. They are extremely silent, but they wear out much faster than other types and generate a lot of dust.

• Semi-Metallic: These brake pads contain 30% to 65% metal, typically steel, copper, composite alloys, or iron. Durable and economical, semi-metallic brake pads are gentler on the rotors than ceramic pads, but they perform worse in extreme weather conditions and produce more noise.

• Ceramic: Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive, but they are also the highest-performing and most silent option. Unlike the plates in your kitchen cabinet, ceramic pads are interwoven with copper strands to make them tough enough to withstand prolonged usage.

CHEAP VERSUS EXPENSIVE BRAKE PADS

Most cars sold today come with non-asbestos organic brake pads. These are designed for road use and function well in your vehicle. Additionally, they are cost-effective, although they will need to be replaced frequently. Here at Pellon Tyres we use the best pads possible to suit the customers particular budget. We never us the cheapest pads or any other brake parts to that matter.

However, if you want a cleaner and quieter option, ceramic brake pads are the way to go. Although more expensive, ceramic pads will last much longer and can even extend the lifespan of other brake components because of their high heat resistance. Certain car models recommend we fit these ceramic pads, so we do!

It’s important to remember that ceramic brake pads produce less friction, resulting in a longer stopping distance. As a result, larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are better off with organic pads.

Regardless of which type of brake pads you choose, it’s essential to invest in high-quality versions. Cheap brake pads not only generate a lot of dust and noise but also pose a significant safety hazard.

Brake pads are seeing to be the products of harmful dust and therefore bad for the environment. I fear that this will be a problem to face from governments regarding this in the future.

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Brake Failure in Preston

/2 Comments/in /by

Brake Failure in Preston

Brake Failure in Preston

Despite their importance, brakes are frequently ignored by vehicle owners. For my part, I was just as guilty of this when I was younger and a junior mechanic. Back in the sixties, I was just starting out as a mechanic, my boss Peter let me use his car for the day. He gave his blessing, but stressed the importance of checking the brakes and oil before heading to the British seaside resort of Blackpool.

As a newly qualified driver, I was going the maximum allowed speed of 30 miles per hour through the town of Preston as we drove back from Blackpool. Back then there were very little motorways and the route home took us on the main highway and through the town of Preston. Cruising down the high street, I should have been able to stop easily when I got to the pedestrian crossing. As I tried to use the brakes, though, they slid straight to the floor, and I had a terrifying rush of fear, as the car failed to stop.

First ever drive out of Yorkshire

I veered off the road and crashed onto the sidewalk to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the street. To slow the car, I pumped the brake pedal rapidly, creating enough resistance to bring the vehicle to a halt. Once my pals and I moved the car a hundred yards down the road to a mechanics shop, I lifted the hood and saw that the brake fluid level was at zero and a chill went down my spine.

Luckily, we were able to get topped up with Brake Fluid, so we replenished the reservoir and pumped the brakes till they worked again. Although it was a scary ordeal, we eventually made it back to Yorkshire. Having learned my lesson the hard way about the importance of working brakes, I swore never to let it happen again. Here are a few things you need to know about brake maintenance before setting out on a trip.

If you and your passengers value your lives, you should never go out on a long trip without first checking the brakes.

Here are six good reasons to inspect your brakes before every long trip:

  1. Brake failure can be avoided by performing routine inspections of the braking system, which will reveal any problems before they become catastrophic. Finding issues before setting off on a trip is preferable to discovering them mid-trip.
  2. To guarantee effective stopping, make sure: In order to stop your car, you must first apply the brakes. If they are in good working order, you won’t have to worry about being able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
  3. You can keep your brakes going for a lot longer if you perform routine maintenance on them. Such as checking for and replacing worn brake pads and shoes. In the long term, this can help you save money by reducing the need for costly brake repairs or replacements.
  4. Overheated brakes pose a serious threat to safety, especially while driving uphill or pulling a heavy trailer. If you give your brakes a once-over before you head out, you can keep them from overheating and still use them when you need them.

Improving the vehicle’s overall performance is a side effect of maintaining healthy brakes.

Your car will be easier to manoeuvre and more stable to drive.

Checking your brakes before starting off on a lengthy trip is crucial for your peace of mind. Confidence and security when driving are greatly enhanced when you know your brakes are in good working order.

Brake inspections should be part of a driver’s routine maintenance because they literally have life and death implications. As specified by the VOSA MOT test, the British MOT test has contributed significantly to the improvement of road safety in the UK. Because they were traditionally located beneath the vehicle, unprotected from the elements, checking the brake pipes was a hassle. They have a special coating of wax-oil or even plain grease to keep the elements at bay.

Even with this safeguard, brake pipes can rust and leak braking fluid over time, causing the brakes to gradually fail. Similar to what happened to me in Preston, this can be avoided by performing routine checks on your brake pipes.