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FRONT & REAR BRAKE REPAIR SERVICE

Auto Mechanics | Services | Brake Repair


Full Service Brake Repair, Brake Pad Replacement & Brake Rotor Resurfacing


When you are looking for brake repair and service, it's important to find a brake shop that offers quality replacement pads, rotors and calipers at a great price. Our brake repair service offers competitive rates, safety standards, and fast repair times so you can get back on the road quickly and safely. Whether you require front brake pad replacement, your rear brake pads replaced or looking for brake disc resurfacing and replacement options, you've found to the right brake repair shop.


Our full service brake repairs include:


  • Front & Rear Brake Pad Replacement

  • Front & Rear Rotor Resurfacing & Replacement

  • Front & Rear Brake Caliper Service

  • Rear Brake Shoe Replacement 

  • Rear Drum Resurfacing & Replacement


Find out more about brake repairs including brake fluid change and brake leaks.



When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?


Front brake pad replacements are a critical part of regular vehicle maintenance. Your brake pads provide the necessary friction to slow down or stop your vehicle when you apply the brakes. Over time, front brake pad replacement is required due to the constant friction, making it essential to replace pads for optimal braking performance and safety.


Rear brake pad replacements, work in conjunction with the front pads to provide balanced stopping power. Although they do slightly less work than the front pads, over a longer time period, your rear brake pads will need replacement to ensure reliable braking performance.


A definite answer to when you should replace brake pads depends on vehicle type and driving style. If most driving is within or city you’ll be using your brakes more often than a long highway traffic free drive. Some drivers also use both feet when driving and while have their foot lightly on the brake as they drive. As little friction as this is, it wears the brake pads quicker. Brake pads and shoes are generally thought to be good between 30,000 - 35,000 km during city driving and may last as long as 50,000 - 80,000 km in rural and highway driving. With that said, there are symptoms that indicate your vehicle needs a brake pad replacement.


When you visit us for brake pad replacement, we inspect both front and rear brake pads with various replacement options to fit the budget.



How Do I Know I Need a Brake Pad Replacement?


  • Squeaking or Squealing Noises: A high-pitched noise while braking, especially when slowing down, indicates that the brake pads have worn down to the point where the wear indicator is making contact with the rotor.


  • Grinding Sounds: If you hear a grinding noise while braking, it means the brake pads have completely worn out, and the metal backing of the pads is grinding against the rotor. This is a severe issue that requires immediate replacement.


  • Reduced Brake Responsiveness: If you notice a delay in braking response or the need to apply more pressure to the brake pedal, it suggests the brake pads have thinned significantly, reducing their effectiveness.


  • Longer Stopping Distances: If your vehicle takes longer to stop, even with increased pressure on the brake pedal, it suggests severely worn brake pads requiring replacement for proper braking performance.



Front & Rear Brake Rotor Resurfacing


A brake disc repair means machining or resurfacing your front or rear brake rotors. The main components of a brake disc repair are the brake pads and rotors. The rotor works as a cushion while the brake pads press against the metal brake discs. If the rotors become uneven but still have enough thickness, we can resurface the brake rotors rather than replace them. Before resurfacing your brake rotors, we will measure the thickness to ensure they have enough metal surface to machine. We measure rotor thickness according to manufacturer specifications. If your rotors fall below these specs a brake rotor replacement will be required. Either way, we will inform you before any repair is performed on your vehicle.


Front and rear brake rotor resurfacing can typically be done within a few hours. Machining brake rotor demands precision and expertise. Resurfacing front and rear brake rotors is a meticulous process, ensuring a smooth, even surface for optimal brake pad contact. While resurfacing takes time to achieve perfection, replacement involves careful alignment and fitting, making it a detailed procedure that guarantees your vehicle's braking system functions flawlessly.



Should I Machine Brake Rotors Or Replace Them?


The question to replace, resurface or machine brake rotors is common. We do our job to ensure a cost effective and safe solution for your brake disc repair. Generally, on newer vehicles it is not necessary to replace rotors with every brake repair. Most rotors can be resurfaced or machined a few times but not beyond the point of the required thickness according to the manufacturer. Although machining rotors with every brake pad replacement is not necessary, they should be resurfaced for better braking and remove surface groves and rust. Beyond the required thickness, a brake rotor replacement will be necessary. We follow the recommendations of each manufacturer when replacing or resurfacing rotors.



What Are The Brake Rotor Repair Signs?


  • Vibration or Pulsation: If you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it's a sign of uneven brake rotor surfaces. This condition, known as brake pedal pulsation, indicates the need for rotor resurfacing or replacement.


  • Scoring or Grooves: Visible scoring, deep grooves, or rough patches on the rotor surface are signs of rotor wear. These imperfections can affect brake pad contact and performance, requiring rotor resurfacing or replacement, depending on the severity.


  • Blue or Discolored Rotor Surface: Excessive heat from aggressive or prolonged braking can cause the rotor surface to turn blue or develop a discolored hue. This discoloration signifies overheating and potential damage, necessitating rotor inspection and repair.


  • Rotor Thickness Variation: Rotor thickness variation occurs when different parts of the rotor have varying thickness levels. This unevenness can cause brake pedal pulsation and compromised braking performance, indicating the need for resurfacing or replacement.


  • Deep Rotor Rust: Surface rust on rotors is normal, but deep rust that affects the braking surface can lead to decreased performance. Resurfacing or replacement is necessary to restore a smooth, rust-free surface for the brake pads.


  • Visible Cracks: Cracks on the rotor surface, no matter how small, are a serious concern. Even minor cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the rotor and lead to complete failure. Rotor replacement is essential if cracks are present.



Front & Rear Brake Caliper Service


A brake caliper repair is when you replace, service, or repair the brake calipers on your car. Your brake calipers are responsible for distributing pressure to your brake pads and slowing down or stop your vehicle. Generally, brake caliper repairs only require an inspection and service rather than a replacement. Brake calipers usually last throughout several brake pad replacements. A common brake caliper repair is a seized or sticky caliper. This will apply constant pressure against your rotors as you drive wearing both your brake discs and pads.



Is Brake Caliper Service Included With a Brake Repair?


Yes, this is typically part of the overall brake replacement or repair. You may just need to replace the brake pads. However, servicing your calipers ensures that the brakes work properly and improves overall braking performance.



How Often Should Brake Calipers Be Replaced?


Brake calipers need to be replaced when they become defective or show excessive wear and tear. You can tell that this is occurring when your car starts dragging while you take it out of park, or pulls to one side.



Can You Rebuild a Brake Caliper Or Replace It?


If you know for certain the brake calipers are seized, there are 2 options: 


  • Rebuild the caliper - this means replacing the internal parts of a brake caliper (caliper pistons pins and sliders) for proper function while the outer casting remains the same. Or you can:


  • Replace the caliper - Replacing the brake caliper means out with the old and in with the new. The more cost effective option for a caliper repair is a rebuild and if there is no damage to the caliper casting - rebuild it.


On a final note about brake caliper repair: Since we're talking about the braking power for your vehicle, it's always a good idea to repair, rebuild or replace both calipers (left and right side of the vehicle) for equal brake pressure. If only one caliper is replaced, you run the chance of uneven brake wear and a vehicle that pulls to one side when braking - of course the repaired or replaced caliper will out perform the old and may be noticeable.



Rear Brake Shoes & Drum Repair


BRAKE SHOE REPLACEMENT


A brake shoe replacement is when you replace your brake shoes (typically at the rear wheels of older model vehicles) that have been worn thin from use. Luckily, brake shoe replacements often only require that you remove your old shoes and then install new ones in their place. It's a no-frills job that our mechanics can do in a short amount of time!



BRAKE DRUM MACHING & REPLACEMENTS


When brake drums wear down, they tend to crack and create uneven wear on the inner drum. If this happens, your brake pedal may pulsate. Stop by our brake repair shop to inspect whether you need can have your brake drums machined or replaced.


Before a brake drum repair or replacement, our mechanic will inspect it for cracks, grooves, and any other problems that indicate a bad brake drum. In some cases, a brake drum can be machined. In the event of badly worn drums, a replacement may be necessary. While we have your rear brakes apart, we will also inspect your wheel cylinders as well as your wheel seals to make sure everything is working optimally before we change your brake drum.



Best Priced Full Service Front & Rear Brake Repair Shop


By choosing us, you can be assured that your brake repairs will be executed with precision and meet the highest standards of quality. It is always essential to consider that the quality of the brake parts used and brake repair work is just as crucial as the price. 


We provide reasonable pricing to ensure that you receive a fair deal. So, don't hesitate to choose our brake repair shop, as we are committed to delivering exceptional value and top-notch brake repairs.

Tool Set

Brake Pad Replacement Faq's:


1. Can I replace only one front brake pad? It's highly recommended to replace both front brake pads simultaneously to maintain balanced braking performance. Uneven wear might occur if only one pad is replaced, leading to potential issues.


2. How long does a front brake pad replacement take? On average, a professional mechanic can replace front brake pads within 1 to 2 hours. However, the duration can vary based on the vehicle's make and model.


3. What type of brake pads should I choose? Brake pads come in various materials like ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic. The choice depends on your driving style, budget, and preferences. Ceramic pads offer less noise and dust, while semi-metallic pads provide better heat dissipation.


4. How long do new front brake pads last? The lifespan of new front brake pads varies. On average, front brake pads last between 30,000 to 70,000 kms, but regular inspections are essential to monitor their condition. Regular inspection and timely replacement of front brake pads are crucial for your safety and the overall performance of your vehicle's braking system.


5. Why are my rear brake pads wearing out faster than the front ones? Uneven wear can occur due to various factors such as improper braking habits, misaligned brake components, or issues with the brake calipers. A professional inspection can identify the specific cause.


6. Can I replace rear brake pads without changing the rotors? It's possible to replace rear brake pads without changing the rotors if the rotors are in good condition, not warped, and within the specified thickness. Consult our mechanics to assess the rotors' condition.


7. How long can I wait after the brake pad wear indicator light comes on before replacing rear brake pads? The brake pad wear indicator light signals that the pads have reached the minimum thickness. It's advisable to replace them as soon as possible to avoid damaging other brake components and ensure safe braking.




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Brake Rotor Repair Faq's


1. How can I tell if my front brake rotors are warped? Warped front brake rotors can cause steering wheel vibrations or pulsating sensations during braking. If you experience these symptoms, it's likely that your rotors are warped and need immediate attention.


2. Can I resurface my front brake rotors instead of replacing them to save money? Resurfacing is a viable option if the rotors are within the specified thickness and don't have severe wear or deep grooves. However, if they are too thin or heavily damaged, replacement is necessary for safe and effective braking.


3. Is it necessary to replace both front brake rotors if only one is damaged? For balanced braking performance, it's advisable to replace both front brake rotors simultaneously, even if only one shows signs of damage. Uneven rotor wear can affect braking efficiency and lead to safety concerns.


4. Can I drive my car with worn brake rotors? It's not recommended to drive with worn rear brake rotors, as they can compromise your ability to stop safely. Continued use can lead to further damage and increase the risk of accidents. It's crucial to have them inspected and replaced promptly.


5. How often should rear brake rotors be inspected for wear and tear? Rear brake rotors should be inspected during regular brake system check-ups, typically every 20,000 to 30,000 kms. However, if you notice any unusual noises or sensations while braking, get them inspected immediately.


6. Is it normal for rear brake rotors to develop rust? Minor surface rust can develop on brake rotors, especially after exposure to moisture. However, if you notice excessive rust or pitting, it's a sign of wear and tear. Regular driving usually cleans off light surface rust during braking.


7. Can rear brake rotors be resurfaced multiple times, or is replacement necessary after resurfacing once? Rear brake rotors can undergo resurfacing multiple times as long as they remain above the minimum thickness specifications. However, repeated resurfacing can make the rotor too thin, necessitating replacement.






Brakes serviced in Mississauga


"Thanks guys! I appreciate the honesty and transparency. Yous diagnosed my brake issue accurately, explained what I needed and provided a fair quote. No surprises, just reliable brake repair in Mississauga."

Isabelle R.

 




Brake repair in Burlington


"The attention to detail in their brake service in Burlington is commendable. John's garage didn’t overlook any aspect, ensuring that every component was functioning perfectly. I have peace of mind knowing my brakes are in top condition."

Dave M.

 



Brake caliper repair in Oshawa


"The staff here is not only fast but courteous and respectful. I had so many questions about brake calipers and they treated me with kindness and patience, answering all my questions. I'm completely satisfied with their brake repair shop and can happily call them my Oshawa mechanics."

Paul B.

 




Brake line replaced in Hamilton


"It was my first time to this mechanic for brake repair in Hamilton and was pleasantly surprised by there affordable price. Despite the reasonable prices, they took me to the back and showed me exactly what was replaced and why. I really appreciate the service guys, thanks."

David H.S.

 



Rear brake discs and pads repair in Windsor


"They understand the importance of time, and my brake disc and pad repair in Windsor were completed within the promised timeframe. I didn’t have to wait long, and my brakes were back to normal condition sooner than I expected."

Jay L.

 




Brake repair in Kitchener


"When it comes to having a mechanic work on my truck, I trust Marks team 100%. Their reliability and consistency in delivering fast brake repair in Kitchener make them my preferred choice. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for service."

Donny V.

 

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