What is a car’s parking brake and how does it work?
Your parking brake – aka handbrake – works on the rear wheels and operates via a manual lever or electric motors.
Brakes Tips and Tutorials Archive
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How a brake caliper works and what happens when calipers go bad
A brake caliper does all of the hard work when you stamp on the brake pedal. Here we explain how calipers operate and reveal the different types.
Why brake fluid needs to be changed regularly
What happens to brake fluid if it's not changed when it should be? Martynn reveals the shocking state of the 'fluid' in a motorcycle he's been renovating...
What’s the best way to bleed brakes?
Bleeding brake and clutch hydraulic circuits, especially when you're working on your own, is a lot less hassle when you use low-pressure air...
How and when to change your brake fluid
Brake fluid is important stuff, because without it you’d almost certainly end up in a ditch. Backwards. To avoid that, look after it and change it regularly…
How to check the thickness of your brake pads
Whether your car has a petrol or diesel engine, or no engine at all, eventually your car’s brake pads will go. Brakes are a concern for all drivers, and over time the rubber on the pads will wear thin, exposing the shim underneath.
Troubleshooting: Common Brake Issues and Causes
The brakes are probably the most important system, and due to the difficult job they do and how often they are used, they are most likely to wear and need service. Even when working properly your brakescan suddenly start making disconcerting noises or develop a shudder. Modern cars use power assist...
The Pros and Cons of cars with drum brakes
If you're a little more 'hands on' than most and want to tackle some do-it-yourself jobs on your car or truck, choosing the correct Drum brake and Hardware for your car or truck is a great place to start.
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What is a brake caliper piston (and what does it do)?
Pistons are found in both floating and fixed brake calipers. There’s usually one or two large diameter pistons in a floating caliper, on the inboard side of the brake rotor. When activated, the piston(s) draw both pads toward the brake disc.
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How to stop brake pad noise
There are few things more embarrassing than a car that squeals loudly every time you press the brake pedal. Passers-by stare at you, and in traffic it's incredibly irritating. If your car is afflicted, here's how to deal with it…...