Brake Repairs in Ellacombe

Ellacombe is a residential district of Torquay with steep terraced streets close to the harbour and town centre. Parking on a slope, tight turns and short hops down to the harbour all make brakes and steering work harder than you might think.

We are Automaster, based at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We work on brakes, suspension and steering for Ellacombe drivers and for neighbours in St Marychurch, Torbay, Paignton and Newton Abbot, using diagnostic equipment where a fault needs tracing.

Why do short trips in Ellacombe still wear brakes?

Short journeys with plenty of stopping and starting use the brakes constantly, yet the discs never get properly hot and clean. Over time that can lead to rusty discs, glazed pads and calipers that stick.

If you notice the car pulling to one side, a grinding noise as you pull away, or a smell from one wheel after a short drive, have it inspected.

What does replacing brake pads and discs involve?

We remove the wheels, check pads, discs and calipers, clean and lubricate the moving parts and fit the replacements. After that, we check the car stops evenly and the pedal feels right.

Time and cost depend on whether you need front, rear or both, how worn the discs are, and whether a caliper, hose or pipe also needs work. To get a sensible figure, ask for a quote and give us your car's make, model and year.

• Pad and disc replacement
• Caliper and hose checks
• Brake fluid condition

Clunking over cobbles and kerbs: suspension and shock absorbers

Narrow streets and kerbs can knock suspension out of shape. Clunking, a bouncy ride or a car that leans heavily in corners can mean worn shock absorbers, damaged springs or tired bushes.

Uneven wear on the inside or outside edge of a tyre often points to a geometry or suspension fault. We inspect, explain and replace the parts that need it.

It is also worth mentioning if the car has sat for a while between journeys. Standing cars tend to develop corrosion on discs and in suspension joints, and a brake that has been seized for a few days can be harder on the pads when the car finally goes out again.

ABS light, humming wheels and stiff steering

An ABS light tells us the anti-lock system has logged a fault, commonly a sensor or wiring problem or a worn bearing. A humming wheel that changes note as you turn is a classic bearing symptom.

If steering becomes heavy or loose, there could be a fault with the power steering or worn steering parts. Do not keep driving if the steering feels unsafe.

Can I bring a car from Ellacombe to you?

Yes. Ellacombe drivers bring cars to Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, alongside people from St Marychurch, Torbay, Paignton and Newton Abbot.

Start by asking for a quote, telling us what the car is doing. If a symptom is severe, say so and we will advise on whether it is safe to drive.