Frequently Asked Questions

Brakes:
1. How often should my brakes be checked by a competent mechanic?
Of course much depends on the type of driving you do - city verses highway, etc. - but you should have them inspected at least every 24,000 miles. Check your owners manual or come on by and we will inspect them for free.

2. Why does the brake pedal feel softer or harder than normal?
A softer or harder pedal may be caused by a faulty master cylinder or power booster, as well as system leaks or wrong adjustments.

3. What is meant by "flushing" or "bleeding" the brake system and how often should I have this done?
We recommend flushing and replacing the fluid annually to remove water, sludge, or other contaminants from the system. Bleeding eliminates air bubbles from the hydraulic system. Refer to your owners manual.

4. Why am I losing brake fluid?
Since the hydraulic system should be sealed a loss of fluid indicates a leak, or wear of the brake pads and/or shoes.

5. Why is there a pulsation or vibration when I apply my brakes?
The rotors or drums may be cracked or distorted, as well as, the discs out of true.

6. Should I install semi-metallic pads?
Only when Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) specifications require semi-metallic pads. Substitutions are not recommended.

7. Should I always use my emergency or hand-brake every time I park?
Definitely, to allow the rear brakes to properly self-adjust.

8. Why do my brakes pull to one side?
It can be caused by uneven tire pressures; defects in the steering or suspension systems; front end out of alignment; brake fluid leak on one of the linings; the linings may be excessively worn or unmatched; the brakes are not adjusted properly or unevenly; one or more of the drums, discs or shoes are warped; brake hose or line either clogged or kinked; or a broken rear spring.

9. Why does my brake pedal feel spongy?
There could be air bubbles in the hydraulic system; brake shoes defective or not worn in (if brand new); drums excessively worn; brake fluid either contaminated or incorrect; or the master cylinder may be loose on mounting.

10. Why do my brakes squeal or chirp?
Possible causes may be worn-out brake pads or linings; warped rotor or drum; brake linings glazed; brake shoe retaining or return spring defective; or deformed brake shoes.

11. Why does my brake pedal drop to the floor?
There may be air in the hydraulic system; fluid leak in master cylinder (past primary cup); hose or line leak in system; or the rear brakes misadjusted.

12. Why do my brake(s) rattle when I travel at low speeds?
The anti-rattle spring is either missing or not positioned properly. The clearance between the shoe and caliper is too great.

Steering: (Manual and Power)
1. Why does my car pull to one side?
Usually because of incorrect tire pressure; uneven tread on tires, worn-out ball joints, loose or worn steering links; steering gear not adjusted properly; or front end out of alignment.

2. Why does my steering wheel vibrate?
Probably caused by incorrect tire pressure; loose or worn steering linkage; or front end out of alignment.
 
3. Why does my pickup wonder from side to side?
First check tire pressure. Other possible causes may be defective ball joints or steering links; steering gear may not be adjusted to specifications; or the front end is probably out of alignment.

Suspension:
1. Why does my car squeak over bumps?
Either the bushings or the steering and suspension boots are worn-out.

2. Why is my car not level?
The springs are probably sagging or the control arms damaged.

3. Why does my car lean when I take a corner?
Your vehicle may be overloaded; a stabilizer or sway bar loose, broken or the bushings worn; or sagging suspension springs.
 
4. Why does my car bounce a lot when I ride over a bump?
The shock absorbers are probably worn and need replacing.
 
5. Why does my pickup ride too hard?
Your shocks probably need replacing.
 
6. My car rides too soft, is something wrong?
Probably defective or worn-out shocks.

7. My van bottoms out over bumps, do I need new shocks?
Probably so, unless the springs are bad. Perhaps your van is just overloaded.
What does AAA Approved Auto Repair mean to you at BRAKEMax?
*Highly Qualified Automotive Technicians
*Full Service Repair Facilities
*Service Reputation & Workmanship
We Employ ASE Certified Technicians!
We are members in good standing of the Southern Arizona Better Business Bureau