Brakes, Suspension and Steering Repairs in Devon

Brakes, suspension and steering are the parts of a car that keep it stopping, gripping and pointing where you want. Faults here rarely fix themselves, and they tend to get worse quickly. If the pedal feels soft, the car pulls under braking or the steering has become vague, please do not keep driving on it.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes, and we cover drivers across South Devon. Below we explain each job in plain English, the symptoms that usually bring people in, and what to tell us when you ask for a quote.

Do I need new brake pads and discs?

Brake pads press against discs to slow the wheel, and both wear with use. Typical signs are squealing, a harsh grinding noise, a vibration through the pedal or steering wheel when braking, or the car pulling to one side. Grinding usually means the friction material has gone and metal is rubbing on metal, which damages the discs quickly.

Brake repairs can also involve sticking calipers or perished hoses. A sticking caliper can make one side drag, cause a burning smell and wear one tyre unevenly. Whether pads alone are enough or discs need replacing too depends on the vehicle and the condition of both, which we can only judge once the wheels are off.

• Noise: squeal, grind or scrape when braking
• Pedal: soft, low, or pulsing under your foot
• Car: pulling left or right when you brake
• Smell: a hot, burning odour after driving

What does the ABS warning light mean?

ABS stands for anti-lock braking system. It stops the wheels locking when you brake hard on a wet or slippery road, so you can keep steering. If the ABS light stays on, that function has usually been switched off by the car, although ordinary braking normally still works.

The cause is often a wheel speed sensor, damaged wiring near the wheel, a worn wheel bearing disturbing the sensor signal, or a fault in the control unit. A diagnostic scan reads the stored fault and points us to the right circuit, then we test to find the actual part at fault. Please do not ignore the light, particularly on wet Devon roads.

Why does my car clunk or bounce? Suspension repairs and springs

Suspension keeps the tyres in contact with the road and soaks up bumps. Worn bushes, drop links, ball joints, arms or a broken coil spring show up as clunks over bumps, a bouncy or floating ride, the car leaning in corners, or tyres wearing unevenly on the inner or outer edge.

A broken spring is a safety matter as well as a comfort one, because it can change the ride height and handling and may damage the tyre. Springs are normally replaced in pairs on the same axle, and the alignment is often checked afterwards.

When should shock absorbers be replaced?

Shock absorbers control how quickly the springs settle after a bump. As they wear, the car can bounce more than once after a dip, dive under braking, feel unsettled on faster roads, or leave oily marks on the damper body. Worn dampers lengthen braking distances and can cause cupped, patchy tyre wear.

Wear is gradual, so many drivers do not notice until the difference is pointed out. Shock absorbers are normally replaced in pairs across an axle so the car stays balanced. Tell us the make, model and year, whether the car carries heavy loads or a caravan, and what you have noticed, and we can inspect and quote.

What is that humming noise? Wheel bearing replacement

A failing wheel bearing typically makes a humming or growling noise that rises with speed and may change as you steer left or right, because the load shifts between wheels. Later symptoms include play in the wheel, vibration, and an ABS light if the sensor is affected.

A bearing that has gone badly can overheat or break up, so this is not something to leave for months. Tell us which side you think the noise comes from and when it is loudest, and we will confirm it with an inspection.

Why is my steering heavy or loose? Steering and power steering repairs

The steering system links the wheel to the tyres through a rack, track rods and joints, usually with power assistance. Worn track rod ends or rack bushes cause looseness and wandering. Heavy steering, whining when turning, or a fluid leak points towards the power steering pump, hose or rack, or a low fluid level.

Steering faults affect your control of the car, and a worn joint can fail suddenly. If the steering feels heavy, stiff or has excessive play, please stop driving and call us. When you ask for a quote, mention any warning light, the noise, whether it happens at low speed or high speed, and when it started.