Replacement Brake Parts

Because of the brake system, you can slow your vehicle and bring it to a complete stop in a safe, controlled and predictable manner. In this system, friction created by pressing stationary pads and shoes against rotors and drums that rotate with the wheels converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat. Fluid in a hydraulic system multiplies the force applied by your foot on the brake pedal to apply the pads and shoes against the rotors and drums.

Most vehicles today have four-wheel disc brakes and pads are available in Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO), semi-metallic and ceramic formulations. NAO pads are made from organic materials like glass and rubber. They are softer, generally wear faster and create a lot of brake dust. Semi-metallic pads contain a large amount of metal fibers like steel. They are durable and great for high temperature applications, but they are tough on rotors and can be noisy. Ceramic compounds have ceramic fibers and softer metal fibers like copper. They provide excellent braking, with little noise, and less dusting and rotor wear.

No matter the type of pad used, eventually brake rotors wear out and must be replaced. As rotors wear they become thinner, and if allowed to wear below their minimum thickness they will no longer be able to dissipate heat properly, and can become warped or even cracked. Rotors can also become grooved if the pads wear to the point the rivets or backing plate grind the rotor surface. Brake rotor metallurgy and design can vary according to application. Cast iron rotors can be one-piece or have a stamped steel center section. Some replacement rotors are available drilled and/or slotted to help shed water and heat.

The brake hydraulic system includes the master cylinder, the calipers and wheel cylinders that apply the pads and shoes, and the interconnecting metal lines and rubber hoses. The master cylinder converts mechanical force into hydraulic pressure using pistons and seals in a housing usually made of aluminum, with a plastic fluid reservoir mounted on top. The calipers are mounted over the rotors and contain one or more pistons that apply the pads in response to hydraulic pressure. Vehicles with drum brakes have wheel cylinders with two pistons that force the shoes against the inside of the brake drums.

A leak in the hydraulic system can cause a low pedal and reduced braking. The master cylinder can leak but also fail internally. Failed calipers and wheel cylinders are usually evidenced by leaks, but calipers can also bind and cause pulling and uneven brake wear. Every time the vehicle brake system is serviced, the entire hydraulic system should be inspected. Corroded brake lines could eventually become perforated and leak, and brake hoses can deteriorate and crack from heat, exposure to chemicals and the elements. From pad changes to more serious repairs, we have the parts to keep your brake system in top shape. And they are sourced from popular brand names including Bosch, Centric, Power Stop, Motorcraft, TRQ, and many more.

In addition to the basic brake system, there is a mechanical parking brake system that applies the rear brakes independent of the hydraulic system, to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. Cables actuated by a foot pedal or hand lever apply the rear shoes or pads, or internal shoes within the rear rotors. Many vehicles have an electronic parking brake system. Most vehicles today also have an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), which regulates fluid pressure to the wheels to avoid skidding and loss of control. The system includes a control module, hydraulic modulator, wheel speed sensors and toothed rings.