Why won't my brake lights work?
Your brake lights are operated by a pressure switch which is fed off of the brakes hydraulic system.If the brakes are working OK, it means the fault is either in the brake pressure sensor/switch, the power connections between the various components, or the bulbs themselves. It could also be a blown fuse. Most fuse boxes are labeled.Check to see if yours is and check the fuse.There could be a bad earth (ground) connection to the housing. In that case you might get some random lights operating, or very dim lights. Check the bulbs. It's unlikely that both of them will 'blow' at the same time. Then make sure that power is being supplied to them when the brake is applied.Testing the pressure sensor is a little more complex. A multi-meteris useful here.
My car's brakes have started squeaking? What could be wrong?
it depends are your brakes making noise when you apply them lightly and the sound goes away when you apply them heaver as if new brakes are used heavier them the surface become glazed it doesent affect the operation of the brakes but if you are still concerned take it back and get the mechanic to apply anti squeal to the brakes it comes in a aerosol can
Ran out of gas and after refilling the brakes don't work. What's wrong?
I think this is odd. I ran out of gas as I was pulling into the station. It's a 95 Jeep Cherokee Sport and it started to sputter as I crested the hill. I pretty much drifted into the station. I put gas in it and pulled out. That's when I noticed the brake pedal wouldn't go down. I had to push with both feet and really hard to get it to stop. I had to apply the emergency brake a couple of times to actually get it to stop. What's up?
How do I figure out what's wrong with my brake lights they stay on while I'm driving?
Without any information about year, make, or model of vehicle I can't give a great answer. The brake lights are activated by the brake light switch(this is directly connected to the brake pedal in some way.) I am going to guess either the switch has come lose, has failed, or that your vehicle has the hole in the pedal where a plastic piece should be to depress the switch and the plastic piece has broken(this is honestly one of the dumbest things I have seen. Many manufacturers do it but I can't think of any reason why.)The possible causes are too numerous to list but most likely it is directly related to the brake switch. I will say some are easy to replace and some require a circus level contortionist, just like the price from near nothing to ridiculous. Hope this help. Next time include year make and model. There are many great techs on here and many vehicles have weird issues specialized tech know and unlike what many say we do this cause we enjoy helping people not screwing them over.
What could be wrong with my car if the Emergency Brake Light statys on?
I have a Suzuki Sidekick, 1991, and the emergency brake light stays on even though the emergency brake is dis-engaged. The light is dimmer when the emergency brake is disengaged, but it stays lit.
What happens if your brakes won't bleed?
If you're doing it the dirty way, makes sure the person in the car pumps the pedal a few times and stays down, and when you crack the bleeder be fast about it, if you wait too long to tighten it air could get back in the system. Sometimes it takes a few rounds to get them right. Obviously make sure the master cylinder stays full. If you're sure you're doing it correctly, an internal leak in the master cylinder could be the source of your problem.
If my back brakes go out, will my front brakes stop my car?
My back brakes are grinding terribly bad and have been for a while. I KNOW, i need to get to a shop asap and plan on doing so tomorrow. However, is there a chance my back brakes will fail? if so, will my front brakes do enough to stop my car?
How do brakes just go out on you with no hints such as squeaking ?
New brakes does not mean new brake system. Your brakes are fine. The system with which they work needs repair. What can cause failure? Age, weather, damage from projectiles like rocks, being intentionally damaged by sabotage, chemicals from the road or being accidentally spilled, manufacturing faults, and who knows what else? Unless they were intentionally damaged, or unless you drive in high risk situations where your brake system is at risk, fix the problem and do not worry about it further. Personally, I would figure that the number of tires you go through would be of more concern if it is an environmental issue.
My car makes really strange noises when i brake, whats wrong...?
I don't think your brakes are all that sound if they are making the noises you describe. Quick Check: Look at the brake calipers on your front wheels that hold the brake pads. There is a small metal tab that extends out and perpendicular to the brake rotor. That's the wear sensor and it makes noise to let you know when the pads have to be replaced. Same deal if you have rear disc brakes, otherwise for rear wheels you have to remove the wheels and pull the brake drums off to see the problem. Rear brakes don't usually wear as fast as front disc brakes, but they can accumulate brake dust as the pads wear and with sufficient buildup can cause noises. Rule of thumb here - Unless you are Fred Flintstone, when the brakes start making noises get them to a shop and get them fixed. Otherwise find something soft to hit when your brakes fail. Hopefully the impact won't kill you... Oh yeah, as for that long trip - get the brakes fixed first. Ya just never know when some moron will do something stupid right in front of you and require emergency braking. Not really the time to have your brakes fail on you...
Why are my new brake pads and rotors getting super hot?
Odds are someone added brake fluid to the master cylinder at some point before the brake work was done. Here is what can happen. When brake pads wear down the Piston of the calipers move farther out of the caliper cylinder to take up the space created by the missing brake pad material. When this happens the fluid level in the master cylinder drops. Somebody may have checked the fluid level at that time and added more fluid. When you had new pads put on the fluid in the caliper was forced back into the master cylinder. Now the master is overfilled. When you drive heat is generated in the caliper which causes the brake fluid to expand. Normally this expansion is accepted into the master, but if it is over filled there is nowhere for it to go so it pushes the calipers piston out which creates excessive friction between the brake pads and rotors. This of course creates more fluid expansion and the cycles continues and worsens. Anytime new pads are put on the fluid should always be checked so this does not happen. In reality there should never be a need to add brake fluid. If the fluid is low it either means that the brakes are worn or you have a leak in the system. Either way the car should immediately be checked by a qualified brake tech. This problem is often caused by taking your car to one of those quick oil change establishments where they check and fill all the cars fluids. You think they are doing you a favor, but in reality they are potentially causing a problem down the road. Again if the car is low on brake fluid there is a problem somewhere in the system and by simply adding brake fluid the other problem is being ignored.