Toyota Brake Service

Your Toyota Braking System

Your Toyota brakes are actually made up of several components. When you apply pressure to your brake pedal, it forces fluid through the lines to drive the piston into the master cylinder. This causes the calipers to clamp down. They hold the brake pads, which are then forced against the rotors to create friction and to reduce the spin of your wheels. All of these components work together to help your vehicle slow down or stop at your command.

Symptoms that You Need Brake Service or Repair

Since your brakes are an important part of your vehicle, it helps to keep an eye and an ear out to see if you may need brake repairs or service. There are quite a few ways that you can tell that it’s time to schedule an appointment:

• Loud Squeals- If you hear this noise while pressing the brake pedal, it could mean that your brake pads are low. Each pad features a metal wear indicator, which is exposed when the pad is low. It creates this noise when pressed against the rotors, so you’ll know it’s time to change your pads.
• Soft Brake Pedal- When your brake pedal feels squishy, it’s a good indication that you have air trapped in your brake lines. You’ll need to have your brakes bled of the fluid so the air can be removed.
• Grinding Sounds- Loud grinding sounds usually mean that you have rust on your rotors, or that you have an issue with your vehicle’s alignment.
• Car Pulls to the Side- If your car starts to pull to the side, especially when you’re braking, it could mean that a caliper on that side is misaligned or worn.