Fremont, CA – Common Toyota Corolla Auto Repair Problems: Worn Brake Pads

It’s best to request a brake inspection when you bring your Corolla in for an oil change. We recommend this service at six-month or 5,000-mile intervals. You can prevent brake problems with this inexpensive procedure.

Brakes function by pressing pads, flat parts contained in a non-wearing part called a caliper, against a rotor, a disk-shaped steel part that rotates at the speed of your wheels. The friction generated by this action converts the energy of motion to heat energy. Brake part wear is expected in this process. 

Some patrons ask us to replace only the worn pads. This is a false economy. Worn rotors may cause increased wear on the new pads. The Toyota factory specifies a wear limit; both should be changed when pads or rotors reach this limit. All pads and rotors on an axle should be changed. Because of these individual differences, everyone’s brakes wear at different rates. Because of this, frequent inspections should be important to you. 

Developing brake problems can often go along with the following symptoms:

• Brake warning lights that will turn on to notify you of a possible issue 
• Pulsation or vibrating in the steering wheel or brake pedal 
• Squealing or screeching when braking 
• Pulling to one side while braking 
• Burning odor 
• Grinding noise when the brakes are applied
• Should you encounter these, bring your Corolla in for service immediately.

Brake fluid needs regular replacement along with periodic pad and rotor service. Toyota recommends this service every two years. Brake fluid is good at transferring your brake pedal action to the brake pads at each wheel. The heat generated when you brake transfers to the brake fluid, which means it needs a high boiling point. Because brake fluid absorbs water, regular flush and fill service is required. 

Suppose old, water-contaminated brake fluid remains in your system. Water causes corrosion in your internal brake parts and lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Scheduled brake fluid flush and fill service is as substantial as engine oil changes for longevity and safety.

Water-containing brake fluid may boil if you brake hard going down a hill, resulting in brake fade. Brake fade happens when, because of bubbles in the liquid, the brake pedal travels farther for the same braking. Brake failure, ineffective brakes, occurs when the brake pedal reaches the floor.

Wheel speed sensors send information to the ABS and stability control systems to help you maintain control in slippery conditions. During a brake inspection, our technician will ensure correct operation. 

During brake service, hand brake adjustment will be completed. In this process, slack must be taken up in the hand (emergency) brake system as the brakes wear for the hand brakes to operate as they should. 

At Fremont Foreign Auto, we have dedicated 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 Corolla you require.