21/08/2019
Three Brake Jobs in 40,000 Miles
A service technician was asked to replace the front disc brake pads on a Pontiac Grand Am because the sensors were touching the rotors and making a squealing sound. This was the third time that the front brakes needed to be replaced. Previous brake repairs had been limited to replacement of the front disc brake pads only.
When the caliper was removed and the pads inspected, it was discovered that a part of one pad
had broken and a piece of the lining was missing.
Then the technician spotted something at the rear
of the vehicle that told the whole story—a trailer hitch.
The owner confirmed that a heavy jet ski was towed in hilly terrain. The technician recommended overhauling the front disc brake calipers to prevent the possibility of the front pads dragging. The technician also recommended an inspection of the rear brakes.
The rear brakes were glazed and out-of-adjustment.
The technician received permission to replace the rear brakes, overhaul both front calipers, and install quality disc brake pads. When the customer returned, the technician advised the customer to use the transmission on long downhill roads to help keep the brakes from overheating and failing prematurely.
