Brake Repairs in Bantham

Bantham sits at the mouth of the River Avon, and its beach and surf bring plenty of cars down the narrow lanes at weekends. Sand, salt air and a car parked near the water all take a toll on brake parts and underside components.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, repairs brakes, suspension and steering on petrol and diesel cars and vans. We are happy to look at vehicles from Bantham and the villages around it.

Does coastal salt and sand damage brakes?

It can. Salt speeds up corrosion on discs, caliper sliders, brake pipes and hose fittings. Sand and grit can work its way into caliper mechanisms and make pads wear unevenly or stick. Brake pipes that corrode through are a genuine safety risk, so rust on pipes should never be ignored.

If your car lives close to the water, ask us to check the pipes, sliders and handbrake cable condition when it is in for brakes.

• Rust on brake pipes or fittings
• Pads wearing unevenly side to side
• Handbrake not holding as it should
• Brake fluid that has darkened with age

What happens during a pad and disc replacement?

After removing the wheels we assess every wearing part, clean and free the sliders, fit the new pads and discs, and check the pedal feel. We will also look at the fluid and hoses.

Work takes more time when fixings are seized, which is common near the sea, and cost varies with the vehicle. For a firm figure, ask for a quote with your registration.

My ABS light is on after a wet beach weekend. Why?

Water, salt and grit can damage the wheel speed sensors and their wiring, which sit close to the hub. A sensor covered in debris can throw a fault code even though nothing is mechanically broken, but a failing wheel bearing can also trigger the light.

We read the codes and inspect the sensor, ring and bearing together so that the right part is dealt with.

What suspension and steering problems should surfers' cars watch for?

Roof racks, wet kit and loaded boots put extra weight on the rear axle, which wears shock absorbers and springs faster. Signs include bouncing, a sagging rear end, knocks over bumps and uneven tyre wear. Steering that feels loose or heavy needs a look at track rod ends, the rack and the power steering system.

If you hear a hum that rises with speed, it could be a wheel bearing, and that should be replaced rather than left.

Do you cover Bantham, and how do I find you?

Yes. Drivers come to us from Bantham, Thurlestone, Bigbury, Kingsbridge and Loddiswell. Our address is Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

When you ask for a quote, tell us the make, model and registration and what you have noticed, and we will advise what to do next.