Why Are My Brakes Sticking?

Why Are My Brakes Sticking?When your brakes are working as they should, you’ll hardly give them a thought. On the other hand, when they start to squeak or grind, you’ll want to address the problem ASAP. Another problem you won’t want to overlook is sticking brakes.

Have you been asking yourself, “Why are my brakes sticking?” At Cloninger Toyota, we want to help you answer that question. Explore some of the causes below and learn what you need to do to keep your car safe for the roads of Salisbury, Mooresville, Huntersville, and Lexington!

Sticky Brakes? It Could Be the Calipers

Sticky BrakesOne of the most common causes of sticking brakes is simple: stuck brake calipers. Most vehicles use disc brakes, which include brake pads, rotors, and calipers. If the brake caliper gets stuck, you’ll notice a sticky sensation in your brakes.

There are other signs, too. Your car may pull to one side as you brake or drive, for instance. You may also notice excessive heat coming off the wheel after driving. If you notice either of these signs, you’ll want to inspect the calipers after the car has cooled.  

If the rubber boot surrounding the caliper piston is torn, that may be your culprit. Have the brake caliper assembly replaced to solve the problem.

Is It Safe to Drive with a Stuck Caliper?

In a word, no. If you suspect your calipers are sticking, you should have them serviced as soon as possible. If you don’t deal with this problem in a timely way, you could be dealing with other issues that extend far beyond your brakes. They include:

  • Transmission Wear
  • Overheated Bearings
  • Brake Pad Wear
  • Decreased Efficiency

Your brake performance will also be at risk, and this may be the largest problem of all. Your car will likely take longer to come to a stop and may pull to one side when it does so. Have your calipers fixed ASAP and drive with confidence—and fully functional brakes.

A Failed Master Cylinder

A Failed Master CylinderDoes your brake pedal feel spongy or mushy as you apply it? Does it push all the way down to the floor? If so, the issue at hand may be a failed master cylinder. To check it, you’ll need to pop the hood and find the cylinder itself.

If there’s brake fluid leaking at the rear of the master cylinder bore, the internal seals are worn, and you’ll need to replace the cylinder. Once you’ve installed a new one—or scheduled service at our service center to let our technicians handle it—you’ll want to do a few more things.

Change the brake fluid, bleed the entire brake system, and inspect your wheels and the rest of the brake system. When it comes to fixing sticky brakes, thoroughness is your best friend!

Have Your Brakes Repaired with Us

We hope this guide helps you get to the bottom of your sticking brakes! The reality is, checking the brake system and all its parts can be a bit daunting if you’re not an expert. Luckily, the service team at Cloninger Toyota can inspect everything in a thorough and timely manner.

We hope you’ll choose our Salisbury service center for all your brake repair needs. We’re here to help you drive safely on the roads of Mooresville, Lexington, and Huntersville. Schedule service with us today!  

 
 

Contact Us

 

Cloninger Toyota

511 Jake Alexander Blvd
Salisbury, NC 28147
Driving Directions
Sales 704-754-4343
Service 704-633-9390
Parts 704-633-9015
Collision Center 704-633-9016
 
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Tuesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday Closed
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Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 1:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed