Brake Problem

[The_Doc_Man]

Brakes make a few noises that you should know about.

Ticking or pulsing noise, regular for as long as you hold down the brake pedal firmly, and not evident when the brake pedal is depressed lightly, is usually the ABS pulsing the brakes as noted above.

Squealing noise when backing up and using the brakes - a sign that your brake shoes are worn and need replacing.

Squealing noise when going forward and using the brakes - a sign that your brake shoes are BADLY worn and your brake job will probably pay for your mechanic's daughter's new orthodontia.

"Shush" noise - braking too hard on wet pavement.

Screeching noise - braking too hard on dry pavement and your ABS is out of whack, if you had one.

Screaming noise and a single thump - a sign that you didn't apply your brakes fast enough when approaching the crosswalk.

 

[kidrobot]

How many miles until your brakes usually wear out?

Also, do you guys have any guides for maintained on a car. Something I can keep track of to make sure my car is maintained? For example: Change oil 3000 miles, New tires 30,000 ... just a rough estimate of when you should replace certain things.

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Brake wear depends on your situation. City driving is stop-and-go, hits the brakes very badly. Lots of country driving gives you tons of miles before you need to replace them. With good brake shoes, you might be good for 20,000 to as many as 50,000 miles. If you get less than 20,000, you must be working as a delivery person. If you get more than 50,000, you must be working as a long-haul delivery person.

The maintenance rule of thumb for brakes is when they start making a high pitched noise when you back up, it is time to have work done. That noise is because most modern brakes are self-adjusting when you are in reverse gear. When the brake shoes are worn, the little attachment devices on the shoes touch the pressure plate and make that noise. And that noise is most likely audible when you are backing up the car slowly so that you don't have the din of tires-on-road to drown out the other noises.

 

[Bodisathva]

3,000 mile oil changes are a fallacy. Unless you are seeing a tremendous falloff in gas mileage, high operating temps, or increased valve clatter, today's oils will run you 5,000+ easily, even more from the synthetics. Temps have a lot to do with viscosity breakdown as well, so you'll not get as much life from your oil in warmer climates or during the summer. (or repeated high operating temps )

I'm awful when it comes to changing tires (they get more expensive every time I need them ) so I've been known to let the cords show before I bother. The more aggressive you are with turns and acceleration, the faster they'll wear. You'll start to notice slippage on wet roads first...that's usually a good indication that you're going to need to go shopping soon. And take the garage up on the free tire rotation, it lengthens usable life spans and you catch alignment and balance issues quicker.

I'm with Doc on the brakes... I live outside of the city and spend very little time in stop and go traffic. As a result of that and my driving style, I may have brake work done once in the lifetime of the vehicle. (First brake job on my truck at 100K miles, btw, Doc )

 

[kidrobot]

I'm stop and go every day =\

 

[Rich]

Free speech has now been banned on this forum! goodbye!

 

[RuralGuy]

AFAIK, the ABS system should remain silent and non active unless the wheels are locking up, which usually only occurs in icy/wet conditions or on gravel roads like I have. The ticking sound is probably nothing to worry about but I would still have it looked at by a professional.

 

[ColinEssex]

Wasn't this the post we were talking about tyres?

They seem to have disappeared

If not, I can't find it now

Col

 

[Rich]

I'm awful when it comes to changing tires (they get more expensive every time I need them ) so I've been known to let the cords show before I bother

But you're not allowed to comment on it, so I won't, responsible road users can make up their own minds

 

[ColinEssex]

So where's my post explaining about the UK testing of cars / tyres?

If it's been deleted can someone please tell me why? who deleted it?

Col

 

[Rich]

So where's my post explaining about the UK testing of cars / tyres?

If it's been deleted can someone please tell me why? who deleted it?

Col

Is it seen as anti-American?

 

[kidrobot]

Mod mob has taken away your voice =)

 

[Rich]

Mod mob has taken away your voice =)

Welcome to the new World order

 

[ColinEssex]

Mod mob has taken away your voice =)

If that is so then I'm not happy.

I merely asked if there were legal limits in the USA for tyre wear. Then I explained our yearly test and the limit here is 2mm of tread must be left.

Was that anti-American?

Col

 

[rainman89]

If that is so then I'm not happy.

I merely asked if there were legal limits in the USA for tyre wear. Then I explained our yearly test and the limit here is 2mm of tread must be left.

Was that anti-American?

Col

I never saw your post on tires.... you sure u posted it?

 

[rainman89]

According to the applicable bodies that oversee highway safety in North AMerica - The tread wear indicatior must be on every tire sold for highway use and must appear across the treads of a tire. They are 1.5 mm (a sixteenth of an inch for those on Imperial measurement) above the base of the tread which is the legal limit. They become visible when the tread has been worn down so that only 1.5 mm of tread is left.


I didnt see any big post about tyres or tires...

if you are stopped police can check your tires and give you a ticket if they don't have the required tread.(think its if you have a penny and stick it in the tread if you can see lincoln's face its too low). also in NY we have to have a state inspection each year for safety and if the tires fail...you fail...

 

[kidrobot]

alright no more of this thread lol. thanks everyone.

take a look at my other thread..
http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=131601

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Will someone check Rich's medication? I think he must have skipped it.

 

[Rich]

Will someone check Rich's medication? I think he must have skipped it.

What?

 

[Rich]

Please move on, this subject's been closed......