Free Brake Checks?

pennypincher3562

Hi

My car passed it's MOT just over 3 months ago. Before I put it in, I suspected something might be wrong with the brakes, but it was so subtle, I thought it could be my imagination.

I didn't tell the MOT people 'I think there might be something wrong with the brakes,' as I thought if there was indeed something wrong, they would find it.

Anyway, after MOT, I'm still not convinced brakes are fine. The braking just seems 'weak' sometimes, followed by a very slight 'crunching/grinding sensation.'

Can anyone recommend a National chain that do 'free brake checks' - ideally one that can be trusted?

Thanks.

parking_question_chap

pennypincher3562 wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a National chain that do 'free brake checks' - ideally one that can be trusted?

Never going to happen.

If you build up a regular relationship with a local indi where you use them for all your services/MOT they will probably do the odd free glance over for you.

But you are not going to get anything free from a national chain, unless they are doing it so they can rip you off with work that "needs doing".

Best go to a local indi from word of mouth and pay for it, probably be cheaper in the long run.

Strider590

pennypincher3562 wrote: »

Anyway, after MOT, I'm still not convinced brakes are fine. The braking just seems 'weak' sometimes, followed by a very slight 'crunching/grinding sensation.'

Sounds like the ABS kicking in, in which case you probably just have cheap/nasty tyres which don't have enough grip at this time of year.

rich13348

If you go to a national chain for a free brake check you will need new brake discs, new brake pads and the brake fluid changing. They might even find a corroded brake pipe somewhere along the line.

debtdebt

If you're mechanically inclined, have a look yourself. Jack the car up, remove the wheel and with a torch have a look at the calipers. You'll be able to see how much material is left on the pads, especially the inside pad with the wheel off.

worried_jim

Plus a new exhaust. And shocks. Won't be allowed to drive it away without having everything done as it's a death trap. Flying pigs etc.

pennypincher3562

debtdebt wrote: »

If you're mechanically inclined, have a look yourself. Jack the car up, remove the wheel and with a torch have a look at the calipers. You'll be able to see how much material is left on the pads, especially the inside pad with the wheel off.

That is the sort of thing I would do in my 'younger years,' but these days I want to leave this one to the 'experts.'

Robisere

The "crunching and grinding" means that there is something wrong, possibly seriously, with the brakes. This is a safety issue and you should get them checked properly ASAP. The MOT test is not an indication that a car is roadworthy: everyone makes that mistake and the tester may not have been able to see the fault. Taking off wheels is not a part of the test, neither is turning the wheels to check brake components.

Is there a family member or friend who can check them for you? Or recommend a fair garage which will check them and let you see the damage? There is always a lot of derogatory remarks about garages on here, but not all are the same. Some people seem to paint all services with the same brush.

pennypincher3562

Robisere wrote: »

The "crunching and grinding" means that there is something wrong, possibly seriously, with the brakes. This is a safety issue and you should get them checked properly ASAP. The MOT test is not an indication that a car is roadworthy.

The crunch is very, subtle, to the extent I initially put it down to imagination. It is also extremely intermittent.

Also today, immediately after when I thought I detected the poor braking, and slight crunch; there seemed be little 'resistance' in the brake when I tried to push it 'to the floor' immediately after whilst the car was stationary. Once again, this could be my imagination.

Shaka_Zulu

When last did you have the car serviced? If you feel you can't check the basics then you best get a little more religious about servicing.

Just remember there is no such thing as a free lunch.

pennypincher3562

Shaka_Zulu wrote: »

When last did you have the car serviced? If you feel you can't check the basics then you best get a little more religious about servicing.

Just remember there is no such thing as a free lunch.

The car is serviced and obviously MOT'd every year. Last MOT was just over 3 months ago. However, I'll be honest, I went for an intermediate service, rather than 'full service' to save money.

Still, I reckon the MOT should have picked up brake issues - let's face it, it's a critical MOT issue.

Anyway, I am on the case (if one actually exists.)