How Do I Know My Porsche Brakes Are About To Fail?
Brake parts wear out with time and they may be a real concern when they suddenly bail out on you. Luckily for you, there are a few indicators that you need to be on the lookout for in order to detect a braking system that is about to fail. Read on to find out more on this.
Brake Light On
This is the sign that is very easy to notice. Most of the time when you have a problem with your brakes you will see a red or yellow brake indicator on your dashboard. This means that you need to have your braking system inspected as soon as possible. You should never ignore these warning lights as you are no safe when you drive your Porsche with problems in its braking system. However if you are driving with an engaged handbrake, the light will be on as well and you may solve the problem by disengaging it.
Squealing Or Grinding Noises
When you hear a high pitched noise when in motion and it stops when you apply the brakes, your brake pad may be worn out. The reason behind this is that they be worn out to the extent that they come into contact with the brake rotors thus producing the metallic sound. Whenever you hear this sound you should replace your brake pads immediately. Failure to do so will cause damages to the brake rotors of your Porsche which are far more expensive to repair or replace.
You could also get a grinding noise when you apply the brakes. It may be solved easily by removing a rock that may be caught in the caliper unit. It may also be an indicator that you have gone too long without having your Porsche serviced. As a result, the brake pads may be worn out, and the grinding brought the pads actually grinding on the brake rotors. In cars with rear drum brakes, it indicates that there is lack of lubrication. In this case, the brake shoe could be scraping on other metallic parts such as the backing plate.
Wobbling, Vibration Or Scraping
An uneven brake rotor surface may cause shaking in the steering wheel when you apply the brakes. It is normal for the rotors to wear out slightly with time. They may also wear out as a result of rust. These flaws are often corrected when your Porsche undergoes regular servicing. However if no handled properly, a slight difference in thickness of the brake rotors may cause a feeling of wobbling when you brake. Shaking may be caused by the brake rotor hitting the brake pads. When this happens, a piece of the braking pad may be moved to the brake rotor causing a bump. This bump is what causes shaking when you hit the brakes because the pad hits the bump.
Rough braking may also be caused by faulty brake calipers. The calipers may not be releasing properly and therefore not retracting the brake pads fully even after you have released the brake pedal. Another probable cause for rough braking is damage to the brake system components by improper wheel lug nut installation.
Spongy Brake Pedal
When you notice that the brake pedal feels softer or sinks to the floor when you apply the brakes, the brakes may be on their way out. It could mean that you have an issue with air in the braking system. Other indicators of failing brake systems are car pulling to one side when braking and a burning smell while driving.