Edmunds Answers questions

Thank you so very much!

byang — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:36:09 GMT

Thank you for your advice re 2007 Jaguar XJ parkbrake fault reset after battery drain. I followed the instructions you provided and saved the hassle of a tow as the procedure you provided took only 8 minutes.

can you change 90 buick w/high$ ABS system to something less exspensive and how.

jstansell — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:29:31 GMT

90 buick park avenue w/ hydrolic pump ABS instead of normal master cylinder. car was available without ABS can I convert to non ABS sytem and how.

My 93 bonneville has 102,000 mi. & the other day my brake lite came on & stayed on & the pedal got real loose.Any?

93pony — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:39:32 GMT

I was driving the other day & it seemed as if all of a sudden my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Then my brake light came on & it stays on. I'm really scared to drive the car to a shop because i dont know if the brakes will go out or not. There seemed to be no warning signs before & no type of squeaking noise or grinding. I had just come from a car audio shop to get my radio checked out & i noticed this problem after i left. I dont know if that has anything to do with this but i'm very concerned. The car has 102,000 mi. & is in normally runs great. I just put a brand new battery, alternator & water pump in the car. I thought that if your brakes are going bad it normally gives you warning signs?

Where can I find the replacement spec limits for the pads and rotors on 99 Ford ZX2?

yatesjo — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:20:54 GMT

I am planning to flush the brake fluid, and wondering if at the same time I should spend the extra cash replacing pads and maybe rotors. The car has 80K on the original brakes, but the squeak indicators haven't made any noise yet.

2002 Pontiac Grand prix, rear brake lights not working, replaces all bulbs, brake lamp in back window is working

tavsb1 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:02:58 GMT

2002 Pontiac Grand prix, rear brake lights not working, replaces all bulbs, brake lamp in back window is working

What size socket is needed to remove axle nut holding on front rotor (mm/eng).?

lavanj — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:05:28 GMT

I am trying to replace the front rotors.I know theres a stake in the axle
nut which has to be,what the repair manual calls unstaked. However,I,ve
tried every size with no luck.

How can you tell if a car has 4 wheel ABS?

bigjoe_48 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:12:13 GMT

I did ask the question before, but I have had difficulty geting to the site and am unfamiliar with it. beaar with me. the hub and bearing are one piece, I know. the balljoints are a seperate issue...... What I want to know is,,, How can I tell if the car has 4 Wheel ABS by "looking"? I've had wheel off, but saw nothing (no wires) that would indicate ABS. So, Was there something that the inspecter could "feel" thaat I could not "see"?

My passenger back wheel locks up. My husband bled the ABS system and he put on new brakes and wheel cylinder. What do I do?

lovemom — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:06:49 GMT

The brakes get lock up when you use the brakes. The abs liight will be off and when you drive down the road it comes back on. When you brake it sometimes it will shake the car. What would like to know what might be wrong with it.

Don't have back brakes due to having no pressure to bleed.

thunderbird90 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:17:35 GMT

the motor won't charge the accumulator unless i bypass it directly to the battery any idea whats not letting it come on?

I had a front brake job done recently, and I am having noise from brakes, especially in the morning. Any clue?

krl — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:54:04 GMT

Sears auto center did the brake job in conjunction with some other repairs. I had the back brakes done prior to this repair and they make some noise as well. I am experience no drivability problems at all. Good braking distances, no feed back through steering wheel, and no vibration. What do you think?

Why are my back brakes making a hideous grinding noise?

cross31tx — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:45:42 GMT

My rear brakes are making a grinding noise from time to time.

Hi guysm 92 Toyota Camry. I have a brake problem. They do not have enough stopping power. No ABS. Thanks.

kemk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:49:05 GMT

if you stop suddenly from 30 mph it takes a while to stop it does not lock up the wheels at all and no ABS.

I am having a weird problem. When I come to a stop my brakes will make a noise and the car starts shaking real bad.

james915 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:03:06 GMT

There is no details or background to give regarding this problem i am having,there has nothing happen that i know of,but there is one other person who drives it.Could you help me find a reason for this happening please. THANK YOU

Brake pedal too spongy.

craig42 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:23:21 GMT

Replaced master cyl.
Bled all brakes
No leaks.
Car does stop.

How do you change brake pads?

HotLps022 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:54:21 GMT

can i have instructions on how ro remove the break pads in order to change them

What is ABS?

RADESH — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:35:46 GMT

What's the difference between disc and drum brakes?

What can I use to stop my brakes from squeaking?

lolo7tat — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:30:55 GMT

brake problems

My passenger rear wheel is locked. Rain, snow and ice conditions. Could this be reason? How do I fix it?

woodrum — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:54:12 GMT

I started to back out of my drive. There was a pop and my rear passenger wheel would not turn. We have had rain snow ice and cold conditions. Could this be the problem? How do you fix?

Where would I put my floor jack and stands when jacking up front of my 2003 Dodge Caravan? Need to do brakes.

ffubarr — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:30:21 GMT

I am presently not able to drive my 2003 dodge caravan, cause it sounds as if it is grinding. so i am wondering if i could find out where should i put the jack and stands, so i may check my brakes. i can't afford to take it to the mechanic, so i want to get to know my van and i will begin with the jack and stand locations. thank you...

if there is a possbility you can show picture that would be so great. thank you for even taking the time read this embarrassing question. i just figured since i can't afford a mechanic, that now is good a time as any to learn my van...

Looking for 1995 Oshkosh rear brake drums for a motorhome.

geweeze — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:36:42 GMT

This is an Airstream Land Yacht diesel 1995 motorhome 35ft. We would appreciate any help you can give us in finding rear brake drums..
thank you
George

The brake pedal pad fell off of the brake pedal. Is there a trick to put it back on?

imnjkelley — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:04:19 GMT

The pad on my brake pedal fell off and I am having a hard time getting it to stay on. Is there a special way to do this?

Steering wheel vibrates when applying brakes.

taunch — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:11:03 GMT

why do I have vibration in steering wheel when I use brakes?

What type of brake pads should I use with slotted drilled rotors?

pmendrick — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:02:04 GMT

Have new slotted drilled rotors for my 05 ranger and want to know what type of brake pads will work best without ruining my rotors.

Parking brake on 2000 GMC Jimmy works, but won't stay on. Where is the ratcheting mechanism and how do I fix it?

ksonthei — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:40:05 GMT

Parking brake was frozen on this past winter. I drove for a short distance before it released. Since then there has been no ratcheting and the brake won't stay on.

After changing the rear brake pads I can't get the brakes back up. What am I missing?

devon4 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:58:06 GMT

Brake pads got low,so I had to take apart the caliper at this time brake fluid leaks which result air getting in the line, replace same with new pads, bled each side but the fluid would not run freely so pedal goes to floorboard. Now have very little brake, please advise!

ABS computer. Where is it located?

wallymoe — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:47:21 GMT

brakes, computer abs

Had rear brakes replaced and now get a squealing when the brakes warm up.

expressvan_135 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:38:17 GMT

replaced shoes, brakes squealed.
replaced shoes again, had drums cut, squealing was intermittent w/pulsing in petal.
had drums replaced, noise came back again ????
any info might help??

thanks

I just got new brake pads and rotors and one of my tires smells like it's burning. Any thoughts?

allipin539 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:31:19 GMT

I just got new brake pads and rotors and one of my tires smells like its burning any thoughts? I only smell the burning from one wheel and not any of the others. Is it possible one of the pads was/is no good? Is it possible somehow some type of lubricant dripped down and thats what I smelt burning? I'm kinda bummed.

When I put my car in drive, there's a clicking sound by the drive shaft and my brakes goes all the way to the floor.

azn808pmptress — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:23:00 GMT

My husband just got through changing the fan belt and the front brake pads so when we tested it out the brakes go all the way to the floor and there's this clicking sound when you put it on drive. Can someone help me out?

Can a brake pad fall off the wheel?

mhw2009 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:04:57 GMT

After leaving a friend's house, he said there was a brake pad on the driveway. Wouldn't my car make a lot of noise when braking if it was mine?

What is the purpose of grooves in brake pads?

mopar1on1 — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:58:30 GMT

Most brake pads have a groove made into the pad. Is this a wear indicator or does this vent brake gases from the rotors when brakes are applied?

Right front brake applies itself while driving. Brake light comes on. calipers changed, still happens.

papaw26175 — Sun, 24 May 2009 09:59:57 GMT

It appears this is some sort of heat up problem. Mechanics cannot figure it out. Calipers have been changed twice. Vehicle starts and runs just fine. Problem appears after driving short distance. Shutting down for approx. 30 minutes and brake releases. Driving again and brake will grab in short distance again.

Step by step directions for changing out old rotors and installing new rotors for my 2007 Toyota Camry?

unclemoe1 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:47:06 GMT

I want to change the rotors on my 2007 Camry. How can I take them off and put on new ones?

2004 Ford Ranger 4x4 4.0 v-6i. Need to replace the front brake rotors but having difficulty removing them.

spartus969 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:43:23 GMT

I have a 2004 Ford Ranger 4x4 4.0 v-6.
I need to replace the front brake rotors but having difficulty removing them.
The wheel and brake caliper have been removed
Do I need to remove the nut at the center of the hub and take that apart to remove or should the rotor be free to come off once the caliper has been removed?

ive tried pb penetrant, pry bar and several thousand hammer blows... couldnt get it to budge so far
any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Honda Civic brakes. Is disc resurfacing necessary when pads are changed

emmettrose1962 — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:25:22 GMT

104,000 miles. 3m remaining on pads - is it necessary or recommended to have the disc resurfaced when the pads are changed? 2004 Civic EX. Conflicting information from dealership servicing dept. what is necessary?

2002 bmw x5 3.0 how do i turn of break indictor light

e1paisa — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:21:42 GMT

break indicator came on need to know how to turn it off, i added brake fluid already

Low brake pedal. Bled system and changed master cylinder.

peteehoward — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:24:45 GMT

Hello,

I drove my girlfriends car last week for the 1st time in about 4 months. Her brake pedal goes basically to the floor when you press it. I have checked the pads in the front and shoes in the rear. They were all in good shape along with the calipers and wheel cylinders. I have bleed the system twice times. When that did nothing I changed the master cylinder. Bleed the system twice again and still nothing. I have run out of ideas. Please help.

All four brakes are locking up.

88lude — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:48:08 GMT

I have replaced proportioning valve, master cylinder, slave cylinder, lines, calipers and still it keeps locking up. The pedal is all the way up and so hard you can't push it down at all. Any ideas?

Brake problems. Brake goes to the floor.

viper30 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:44:03 GMT

The brake goes to the floor. All lights are on but no fluid leaking. What do I need to do?

Shaking feeling stepping on the brakes.

steelflatroll — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:27:29 GMT

When coming of the expressway from 60 mph to 30 I get this shaking feeling as though I had worn pads. The pads have lots of life yet on them and this just started. I will change out the rotors thinking that they are out of flat. It is odd that this happen so quick. I am wondering if there may another reason for this (tie -rod ?) has anyone have the same experience?

I had this mechanic tell me he would clean and adjust my back brakes, because they not working at all. Is this correct?

wanttonomore — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:58:04 GMT

He said he was only going to charge me $32. He said this after he'd supposedly changed my oil. Can they really just need to be cleaned and adjusted?

When changing my brakes I had to drill the two screws holding the disk ( two flat head M6X15, phillips socket).

mibcc — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:08:33 GMT

When changing my brakes I had to drill the two screws holding the disk ( two flat head M6X15, phillips socket). When I installed the disk, I did not put them back. They seem there just for the installation and not for holding ?
Is this assessment good ?

Thanks !

What's my Passat brake sensor trying to tell me?

aggies1 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:21:12 GMT

The sensor on my '03 V-Dub Passat is telling me that my front pads need replacing. I'm wondering where the sensor is - on the pads or caliper or ? Mostly I'm wondering if I need to get special Passat brake pads or will any good pad do?

Replaced Explorer's brakes but now they are grinding. Why?

nitpicky — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:23:06 GMT

I replaced the front brakes on my nephew's 2000 Ford Explorer XLT including rotors. Now the brake pedal feels like it's grinding or vibrating. I took it all apart and checked to see if there was something loose but nothing found. Did I miss something or is there a trick to correcting this problem?

How do you remove brake rotors on a Jeep Liberty?

cardoc12 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:59:02 GMT

Rear brakes on 2005 Liberty 2WD - I have an 05 Liberty with 40K on it. Has anyone had any problems getting the rear rotors off? I know the parking brake mechanism is on the inside of the rotor. I'm thinking that is rusted which is causing my issues removing the rotor. What is going on with these brakes? At 40K the rear pads were smoked already and the rotors need turned/replaced?!?! I started getting a nice grind from the passenger rear and I found a nice groove that was starting on the rotor from the pad. Any ideas on how I can get the rotor off?

Brake pads on Passat

nitpicky — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:18:55 GMT

My sister has a Passat 2003 1.8 and the sensor says that the pads need to be replaced. Is the sensor on the pads or the callipers? Do we need special pads or will any decent pads do?

Ford Aerostar XLT Model 1993 Brake Proportioning Valve leaks

tittoo — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:13:27 GMT

My Ford Aerostar XLT Sport Model 1993 came with two Brake proportionate valve. One of the valve with electrical switch has started leaking when brake pedal is pressed if this can be stopped by using any kind of sealant or the valve need to be replaced. If it need to be replaced where can I get the new or used part.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks

When I hit the brakes it sounds like a balloon that's deflating, what does it mean

simmers1 — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:46:58 GMT

Jeep cherokee 1999 approximately 156,000 miles

There isn't a grinding sound, just a sound like whhhoooosssshhh when I apply the brakes

simmers1 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:53:51 GMT

jeep 98 makes whooshing sound when I let go of the brakes

94 quest, my back brakes grab before the front,all new,blew out back..dust. is there an adjustment or bad calipers

tmont2 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:43:31 GMT

disks on front, drums on back. Now that it has snowed I have confirmed what it is doing. Very scary having back brakes grab in the snow. Is there an adjuster for the front and rear or do you think it is the calipers not grabing on the front.