Brake Repair & Service in Tulsa, OK
Your brake system is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Whether you are making a normal stop at a traffic light or having to stop quickly in an emergency, you count on your brakes to be able to effectively stop your vehicle. So, any sign of trouble in your brake system should not be ignored.
Squealing or grinding sounds can be caused by worn brake pads or rotors, but vibration while braking could be another issue. A full brake system inspection by a professional mechanic can help identify the condition of your brakes and pinpoint the issue, so it can be addressed ASAP.
When you need expert brake services in the Tulsa area, bring your vehicle to our ASE-certified technicians at Tate Boys. No matter what type of brake repair or servicing you need, our helpful and experienced team will make you feel right at home. From our friendly service to our experience and expertise, we strive to be the top brake shops in the area.
Make sure to also check out our latest brake specials for deals that could help make your brake repair even more affordable. Bring your vehicle to your local Tate Boys location today!
Brake Inspections and Premium Brake Service
At Tate Boys, we offer free complete brake inspections to ensure your brakes are safe for the road and alert you of any servicing or repairs that may be needed soon. We’ll also inspect your brakes when you come in for an oil change or tire rotation.
Our ASE-certified technicians can help ensure your brakes are always ready to perform, no matter what kind of car, truck, SUV, or van you may have. They can take care of a wide variety of brake services and repairs on ABS brakes, disc brakes, and drum brakes. We employ cutting-edge equipment to diagnose your brake issues and use professional tools to ensure the most precise brake repairs, just like you’ll find at a dealership.
From minor servicing to a full brake replacement, the professional technicians at Tate Boys are experienced in all types of brake service, including:
- Visually inspecting brake friction and your hydraulic system
- Resurfacing of drums and/or rotors, when applicable
- Brake fluid flush and replacement
- Installing new premium-grade shoes and/or brake pads
- Checking and repacking of wheel bearings if applicable
- Lubricating each brake caliper and hardware
Have Your Brakes Checked Every 6,000 Miles
To keep your brakes in good condition, we recommend regular checks of your brake system. This will help extend the life of your brakes and catch any issues early before they grow into bigger problems.
Each person’s brakes will wear differently depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and the types of brake pads and other parts that are used. This means that how often brake service is needed will vary. In general, we recommended coming in for a brake inspection every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Of course, if you suspect any brake problems, we suggest you bring your vehicle in as soon as possible.
Signs Your Vehicle May Need Brake Services
There are some things to be aware of that may indicate you have an issue with your brake system. If you notice any of the signs of brake trouble below, schedule an appointment at one of our Tate Boys locations:
- Pulling to one side when you apply your brakes
- A vibration in the brake pedal when braking
- Grinding, thumping, or squealing noises
- Puddles of yellow brake fluid under your car or truck
- Decreasing resistance in the brake pedal
- More distance needed to bring your vehicle to a complete stop
You may also see that your brake light is on. This may be due to a low brake fluid level, an issue with your anti-lock braking system, a sensor problem, or an electrical issue. Our technicians can determine why your brake light is illuminated and recommend the next steps.
Your Brake System Explained
During the last 100 years of technological innovation, your brake system has evolved into an efficient and dependable speed variation system. This system can stop a 2,800 lb (or more) vehicle in seconds, which is quite remarkable when you think about it.
Although the specifics of the brake systems in today’s vehicles will vary depending on the make and model, the system generally consists of disc brakes on the front and either disk or drum brakes on the back. Then, a series of other critical components connect your brakes to each wheel and supply hydraulic brake fluid. All of these things work together to make stopping possible.
These critical braking components can be divided into two categories: friction materials and hydraulics.
Friction Materials
Brake Pads and Shoes
In most modern cars, there is a disc brake system in both the front and rear of the vehicle. With disc brakes, the pistons squeeze two brake pads, either ceramic or metallic, against each disk causing the friction needed to stop the vehicle.
The brake system in some older model vehicles consists of disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. When drum brakes are used, brake shoes versus brake pads are what create the stopping friction. Brake shoes sit inside of the brake drum and are crescent-shaped components that have a rough friction material on one side. When the brake pedal is pressed, these brake shoes are pressed outward against the inside of the brake drum, which then slows down the wheel.
Hydraulics
Master Cylinder
The brake system’s master cylinder works as the pressure converter of your vehicle. When the brake pedal is pressed down, the master cylinder converts that physical pressure that you create into hydraulic pressure. Then, this hydraulic pressure forces the brake fluid out to the braking components within the wheels.
Brake Lines and Hoses
When the brake fluid is propelled out by the hydraulic pressure, it travels to the braking unit(s) through steel-braided brake lines and high-pressure, road and shock-resistant brake hoses.
Brake Calipers and Wheel Cylinders
In disc brake systems, the hydraulic pressure forces the brake calipers to squeeze the brake pads onto the rotor. Alternatively, in a drum brake system, the wheel cylinders are positioned above the brake shoe and consist of two cylinders surrounded by rubber-sealed pistons. When brake pressure is applied, the hydraulic pressure forces these pistons to press on the brake shoes, pushing them into the drum. So, both calipers and wheel cylinders apply pressure to the friction materials to stop your vehicle.
How Everything Works Together
When the brake pedal is pressed, several things happen almost instantaneously to stop your vehicle. As your foot presses the brake pedal, it presses a plunger against the master cylinder. It then converts that physical energy into hydraulic pressure that pushes hydraulic brake fluid through the brake lines and hoses into the calipers at each wheel unit. Essentially, the hydraulic fluid amplifies the pressure from your foot, allowing you to effectively slow and stop the vehicle.
Once the fluid reaches the brake calipers, they apply pressure and squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotors (discs). During this exchange of energy, the friction material of your brake pads absorbs the pressure and heat to safely slow and stop the spinning rotors, as needed. Every time the brakes are used, part of the friction material on the brake pads wears away. This is why it is so important that your brake pads are inspected regularly and replaced promptly, as needed.
All of the components mentioned above need to be in good condition and functioning properly for your brakes to work effectively.
How To Know When You Should Have The Brake Fluid Flushed
The recommended interval for a brake fluid flush can range from every 2 to 5 years or more, depending on the type of vehicle and driving habits. The owner’s manual for your vehicle is the first place to look to get the manufacturer’s recommended interval.
But, if it’s been a while since it has been done, there are some things to look out for that would indicate it may be time to have the brake fluid flushed and replaced, such as if:
- The ABS (anti-lock braking system) light is on
- The brake pedal feels different
- The Brake pads are not as effective
- You hear strange brake noises
- There’s a burning chemical smell
If you are smelling a strong burning chemical smell, pull over safely and immediately to let the brakes cool. If you don’t do this, it could cause the brake fluid to overheat and cause the brakes to completely lock up.
If you are experiencing any of the above and you think it may be time for a brake fluid flush, schedule your appointment online today. The expert technicians at any one of our Tate Boys locations can ensure that your brake system is in optimal condition and keep you safely on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long your brake pads last is dependent on many different factors such as your driving habits, type of vehicle, and type of brake pads used. As a general reference, a high-quality brake pad should last you around 40,000 miles.
