Posts

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.

Brake Servicing

Jaguar Brake Discs

/0 Comments/in /by

Jaguar Brake Discs

Jaguar Brake Discs

When I was junior mechanic I always wanted a Jaguar car. Unfortunately, I had wait fifty years for my dream to come true.  Jaguar, is one of the most recognisable names in the history of the automobile industry. Of course, has consistently been at the vanguard of innovation in automotive design and engineering. Jaguar is a company that has a long history of invention and pushing the limits of what is possible in the automotive industry. The company is most well-known for producing high-performance automobiles that are also a luxury.

The implementation of disc brakes across the entirety of Jaguar’s model line up. Hence, is widely regarded as one of the company’s most important technological leaps forward. Jaguar was the first major manufacturer to embrace the braking system that they had played such a significant role in designing. While they were not the first company to make disc brakes a standard feature on their vehicles, they were the first company to do so.

First Jaguars had drum brakes

The manufacturer Jaguar realised the limitations of drum brakes, which were the normal braking system of the time, and began development of disc brakes in the early 1950s. Drum brakes were the conventional braking system of the time. Drum brakes were not reliable in terms of their ability to stop the vehicle and were prone to failing under heavy use. Disc brakes, on the other hand, provided superior stopping force and were less likely to fade over time. Of course more suitable for the powerful Jaguar models to come.

Norman Dewis, a Jaguar engineer and racing driver, was the driving force behind the company’s development of disc brakes. Dewis put in countless hours to improve and perfect the technology. Thus, by 1952, Jaguar was using disc brakes on their C-Type racing car. This achievement is largely credited to Dewis. The technology was an instant hit. Importantly, Jaguar’s use of disc brakes helped the company win the renowned Le Mans 24-hour race three times between 1955 and 1957. These victories took place during the years 1955 and 1957.

Jaguar’s Mark 2 was the first production vehicle to feature disc brakes when it was released in 1958, ( I was 10 years old at the time). The Mark 2 was a luxury sedan that offered exceptional handling and braking performance. As a result, it was very popular not only among automotive enthusiasts but also among the general public. Disc brakes eventually became a standard feature across the whole Jaguar product line. Including the venerable E-Type sports car, which Jaguar introduced in the 1970s.

Jaguar introduces disc brakes

The introduction of disc brakes by Jaguar. Hence, marked a significant advancement for the automobile industry as a whole. Drum brakes were replaced by this innovation, which not only improved performance and safety. But also paved the way for the development. Including, other more advanced braking systems such as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

It is vital to recall the significance that Jaguar had in the development and adoption of disc brakes even though practically all modern cars come equipped with them as standard equipment. Jaguar’s position as a firm that was driven to innovation and perfection was cemented when they became the first major manufacturer to implement disc brakes throughout their whole range of cars. This earned them the title of “first to adopt.”

In conclusion, the introduction of disc brakes by Jaguar was an important turning point in the annals of the history of automotive engineering. Jaguar was the first major manufacturer to adopt the braking system that they had played such a significant role in developing across their entire range of models. While they were not the first company to make disc brakes a standard feature on their vehicles. So, they were the first company to do so across their entire product line. Jaguar has become one of the most recognisable and well-respected automobile companies in the world. Thanks in large part to its unwavering dedication to technological advancement and technical mastery.

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.