FAQ Categories: Troubleshooting Brake Problems

Frequently asked questions about troubleshooting brake procedures.

My brake pedal slowly sinks (lowers) to the floor and does not come back up, why?

My brake pedal slowly sinks (lowers) to the floor and does not come back up, why?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

You most likely have a fluid leak in your brake system or a bad master cylinder.  Another reason for this is you might not have tightened your bleed screw on one or more of your calipers.

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  • Comments Off on My brake pedal slowly sinks (lowers) to the floor and does not come back up, why?
  • over 9 years ago
Pedal is low when I first step on it, if I pump it the brake pedal comes up, why?

Pedal is low when I first step on it, if I pump it the brake pedal comes up, why?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

A low brake pedal that has to be pumped may be due to a low fluid level and/or air in the lines.

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  • Comments Off on Pedal is low when I first step on it, if I pump it the brake pedal comes up, why?
  • over 9 years ago
Why do I need to use a lot of force on my brake pedal?

Why do I need to use a lot of force on my brake pedal?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

This is most likely the case of improperly bed brake pads.  Once the pads and discs are glazed the amount of friction (bite and torque) is greatly reduced.  This could also be the result of choosing the incorrect brake pad compound for your application.

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  • over 9 years ago
Why did I lose my brake pedal during my track event?

Why did I lose my brake pedal during my track event?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

In most cases this is a result of boiling your brake fluid.  Another of the usual suspects are faulty master cylinder or a leak in either the caliper or the brake lines.

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  • Comments Off on Why did I lose my brake pedal during my track event?
  • over 9 years ago
Why does brake fluid boil?

Why does brake fluid boil?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

Brake fluid is subjected to very high temperatures.  It must have a high boiling point to avoid vaporizing in the lines. This vaporization is a problem because vapor is highly compressible relative to liquid, and therefore negates the hydraulic transfer of braking force from the

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What causes a soft (spongy) pedal?

What causes a soft (spongy) pedal?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

A soft or spongy pedal is most likely the result of air in the brake system.  Air bubbles may have entered the system because the fluid level got too low.  The air could have been from a small leak in the brake hose(s) or a

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What causes discs to warp?

What causes discs to warp?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

The most common reason is over-torqued or unevenly torqued lug nut(s).  Making sure you use a proper torque wrench with all four wheels on the ground is the best approach.  The use of an impact wrench is NOT recommended.  Your vehicles manual will indicate the

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Why am I getting oscillating feedback?

Why am I getting oscillating feedback?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

Cracked discs or pad material build-up on the disc surface.  Excessive disc run out is another reason for oscillating feedback.

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What causes brakes to squeal?

What causes brakes to squeal?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

Brake squeal often happens during the first few hundred miles of use as pads bed in to a new or used discs.  It’s best to wait until you have about 1,000 miles (1,609km) before determining if there is a noise problem with your pads.  Some

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What causes brakes to drag?

What causes brakes to drag?

Posted By G-LOC Brakes

Warped discs
Bad master cylinder
Caliper spread – which can lead to tapered brake pads
Calipers are not square to discs
Caliper piston(s) are not retracting properly causing one or more pads to constantly make contact with the disc surface.
Debris in the caliper

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