Fremont, CA- Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement Services for Ford Focus Owners

Ford recommends a brake inspection at 10,000-mile intervals. The manufacturer further recommends you have your brakes inspected immediately if:

-The pedal feels soft or bottoms out on the floor

-The warning light for the brake system illuminates

-The steering wheel vibrates either while braking or not braking

-While braking or not, you hear screeching or scraping 

-A burning scent emanates from the vicinity of the wheels

-Brake rotors have gouges on their surface

Periodic brake inspections are compulsory to ensure your safety. At Fremont Foreign Auto Repair, we can fit a brake inspection in with another service while you are here.

Here is what we will do on a brake inspection:

-Like all mechanical devices, the master cylinder can wear out. Pressing the brake pedal compresses the brake fluid in the master cylinder and creates pressure in the system. This pressure transfers to the calipers at each wheel through brake lines. If the pedal feels squishy when you brake, a new master cylinder is needed. A brake warning light may warn of a bad master cylinder.

-Power brakes are valued accessories on modern cars; vacuum pressure from the engine powers the brake booster. We can diagnose a bad brake booster during the usual test drive.

-The brake lines come next; we will inspect them for leaks and replace those leaking or dry-rotted. If you notice a spongy brake pedal, there may be a leak from these hoses.

– Braking generates lots of heat; brake fluid absorbs some of it. Brake fluid absorbs humidity from the air. You should have it replaced every two years to head off rusty components. If you notice a spongy brake pedal, there may be a brake fluid leak, the fluid may contain contamination, or the system may require bleeding.

– Calipers hold brake pads next to the rotors. Brake pedal pressure, transferred through the brake fluid, drives the brake pads against the brake rotors. Calipers absorb the friction heat of braking but will deteriorate. Road dirt and the effects of heat can cause seals to leak and caliper pistons to seize. A seized caliper piston may cause continuous partial braking action, amplified pad wear, and low fuel mileage.

– Brakes work by pressing brake pads against rotors, disklike parts bolted to your wheels. Pads wear as they slow your vehicle. Brake pads wear differently depending on how aggressively you use your brakes. We will check the thickness of these components and replace them when they are too thin to meet Ford’s specifications.

-Brake rotors are the end of the line for the braking sequence. When pads are pressed against them by force from the brake fluid, the kinetic energy of your car’s motion converts to heat energy. Most of this heat absorbs into the brake rotors. Most rotors are steel, but they may be made of other alloys or ceramics, depending on the manufacturer’s intentions. We will measure the thickness of the rotors and replace them when they are too thin to meet Ford’s specifications.

Wheel sensors work with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and stability control system to avoid skids and loss of control. Our technician will ensure they operate correctly. Finally, our technician will adjust the emergency brakes. At Fremont Foreign Auto, we have dedicated Ford brake repair experts. Call us at 510-793-6067 or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any service on your Focus you require.