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Auto Mechanics | Services | Brake Repair


COMPLETE BRAKE REPAIR FOR FRONT & REAR BRAKES


Need reliable brake repair? Get top rated brake pad and rotor replacement service. We specialize in brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing, and caliper service at competitive prices. Whether it’s front or rear brake pads, shoes, drums, or disc machining, we prioritize safety and quick turnarounds, so you can drive with confidence. Trust our experts for precision, quality, and affordable brake service


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Front brake pads, rotor and caliper assembly

Front & Rear Brake Pad Replacement


🛠️ Front brake pad replacement is 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 replacement works 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.

⏳ When To Replace Your Brake Pads? 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. Brake pads 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.


Mechanic using a brake lathe machine to resurface front brake rotors at an auto repair shop

Brake Rotor Replacement & Resurfacing


🔧 What Is a Brake Rotor Repair?
Brake rotors are critical components that your brake pads press against to slow down your vehicle. Brake rotor repair, also called brake disc resurfacing or machining, involves smoothing out the rotor surface to remove grooves, warping, or uneven wear. If your rotors are still within manufacturer thickness specs, resurfacing is a cost-effective alternative to full replacement.

🔁 Should You Resurface or Replace Brake Rotors?
Before any work is done, we precisely measure the rotor’s thickness. If it meets minimum requirements, we can machine the surface and extend its lifespan. If the rotors are too thin or cracked, a full brake rotor replacement will be required to maintain safety and performance.

⏱ How Long Does It Take to Replace / Resurface Rotors?
Resurfacing or replacing brake rotors typically takes just a few hours. While resurfacing requires expert precision to ensure even contact with the brake pads, replacement involves careful installation and alignment. Both services restore smooth, reliable braking.


Mechanic replacing badly damaged brake shoes and drums

Rear Brake Shoes & Drum Repair


🛠️ Brake Shoe Replacement Service: 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. It's a no-frills job that our mechanics can do in a short amount of time!

🛠️ Brake Drum Machining & Replacement Service: 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. We will 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.

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Brake pad warning indicator

Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacement


The following signs indicate that your brake pads may need replacement:

  • 🐦 Squeaking or Squealing when braking or slowing down: This sound means the brake pads’ wear indicator is making contact with the rotors.

  • 🔨 Grinding Sounds when braking: This indicates that the brake pads have worn down completely, and the metal backing is grinding against the rotor, requiring immediate brake repair.


  • 🦶 Reduced Brake Responsiveness: The need for more pressure on the brake pedal suggests the pads have thinned significantly, reducing their effectiveness.


  • 📏 Longer Braking Distance: Increased pressure on the brake pedal and a longer stopping distance are signs that the brake pads are severely worn and need to be replaced.



Brake rotor warning indicator

What Are Signs My Brake Rotors Need Replacement?


The main signs your brake rotors need repair, replacement, or resurfacing include:

  • 🔧 Vibration or Pulsation in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking: This indicates uneven brake rotor surfaces, commonly known as brake pedal pulsation, and signals the need for rotor resurfacing or replacement.


  • 🏎️ Visible Scoring or Grooves on the rotor surface: Signs of rotor wear. These imperfections affect brake pad contact and performance, requiring resurfacing or replacement.


  • 🔥 Blue or Discolored Rotor Surface from excessive heat: This signifies overheating and potential damage, necessitating rotor inspection and repair.


  • ⚖️ Rotor Thickness Variation: Uneven thickness can cause brake pedal pulsation, indicating the need for resurfacing or replacement.


  • 🛑 Deep Rotor Rust: Rust can drastically reduce performance. Resurfacing or replacement restores a smooth, rust-free surface.


  • ⚠️ Visible Cracks on the Rotor Surface: Even minor cracks compromise rotor integrity and can lead to failure. Rotor replacement is essential.



Brake repair warning indicator

Signs Your Brake Calipers Need Service or Replacement


The following symptoms indicate that your brake calipers may need attention:

  • 🛑 Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it could indicate that a brake caliper is sticking or failing to engage properly.


  • 🔴 Dragging When in Park: A dragging brake caliper can cause unnecessary friction when the car is in park, leading to overheating and reduced brake efficiency.


  • ⚙️ Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If one brake pad is more worn than the other, it could be a sign that the caliper isn’t releasing the brake pads properly.


  • 🧰 Fading Brake Performance: If your brakes feel less responsive or you have to apply more pressure to stop the vehicle, it might be due to a malfunctioning caliper.


  • 🔥 Overheating: If your brakes are overheating, you may notice a burning smell or excessive heat from the wheels. This can be caused by the caliper not releasing properly.



Brake Repair Locations, Ontario

EXPERT BRAKE REPAIR LOCATIONS FOR ONTARIO

Brake Shop Barrie

🚩 Barrie Location

Let our experts provide brake repair for your local drive in Barrie >>
Brake Shop Brampton

🚩 Brampton Location

We specialize in reliable brake repair for the city of Brampton >>
Brake Shop Burlington

🚩 Burlington Location

Get expert brake repair with our team in Burlington >>
Brake Shop Etobicoke

🚩 Etobicoke Location

Count on our skilled brake repair with our mechanics in Etobicoke >>
Brake Shop Hamilton

🚩 Hamilton Location

Our experts handle your brake repair with precision in Hamilton >>
Brake Shop Kitchener

🚩 Kitchener Location

Need brake repair? Our team offers fast service in Kitchener >>
Brake Shop Mississauga

🚩 Mississauga Location

Experience our professional brake repair service in Mississauga >>
Brake Shop North York

🚩 North York Location

Get the right experts for your brake repair at our shop in North York >>
Brake Shop Toronto

🚩 Toronto Location

Let our experts handle your brake repair — we’re here to help in Toronto >>


SEE MORE LOCATIONS >>



GET THE BEST BRAKE REPAIR FOR YOUR VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL


We provide top-tier brake repair services for a wide range of makes and models. Click your vehicle's make below to learn more about our specialized service for your model.


Explore our brake repair for:

Acura Brake Service

Acura

Audi Brake Service

Audi

BMW Brake Service

BMW

Chevrolet Brake Service

Chevrolet

Dodge Brake Service

Dodge

Ford Brake Service

Ford

GMC Brake Service

GMC

Honda Brake Service

Honda

Hyundai Brake Service

Hyundai

Jeep Brake Service

Jeep

Mazda Brake Service

Mazda

Nissan Brake Service

Nissan

Toyota Brake Service

Toyota

Volkswagen Brake Service

Volkswagen


SEE MORE VEHICLES >>


Locations

BRAKE REPAIR FAQS

FAQ icon discussing whether it's safe to replace only one brake pad

Can I replace only one 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.


FAQ icon showing a brake warning light indicating brake pad replacement

How long can I drive after the brake pad warning light comes on?

It's advisable to replace them as soon as possible to avoid damaging other brake components and ensure safe braking.
FAQ icon representing the time it takes to replace brake pads

How long does a 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.
FAQ icon showing different types of brake pads (ceramic, semi-metallic, organic)

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.
FAQ icon representing the lifespan of new brake pads

How long do new brake pads last?

The lifespan of new front brake pads varies. On average, front brake pads last between 30,000 to 50,000 km, 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.
FAQ icon illustrating brake pad replacement without rotor change

Can I replace 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.
FAQ icon indicating the recommended frequency of brake repairs

How often should I have a brake repair?

How long you can drive before fixing your brakes is generally 40,000 km. The quality of brake parts used and the driving conditions factor in to this distance. High quality brakes can last as long as 60,000 km Checking the owners manual and being aware of common symptoms of bad brakes will keep you informed of how long you can drive before a brake job is required.
FAQ icon warning against driving with grinding brakes

Can I still drive my car if my brakes are grinding?

It’s not safe to drive if your brakes are grinding. If this is the case, your vehicles stopping power is greatly diminished. Grinding brakes indicate an urgent brake repair is required. The good news is before your brakes begin to grind, you will notice other early symptoms of brake repair, such as squealing and squeaking brakes. When this happens it is much more safe and cost effective to see your mechanic and have a brake inspection..
FAQ icon showing options for rebuilding or replacing brake calipers

Rebuilt brake caliper versus replacement?

  • 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.


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