Brake Repairs in Milber

Milber sits on the edge of Newton Abbot, with an industrial estate close by and quick access to the A380. That mix of short local runs, estate traffic and faster main-road driving puts brakes through plenty of stopping and starting, and the first sign of wear is often a noise you pass off for a few weeks.

At Automaster we look after brakes, suspension and steering on petrol and diesel cars and vans. This page explains what we check, what the work involves and what to tell us when you ask for a quote, so you know what to expect before you book.

Why are my brakes squealing or grinding?

A high squeal is often the wear indicator on a brake pad telling you it is getting low. A harsher grinding usually means the friction material has gone and metal is working against the disc. Left alone, that damages the disc and turns a simple pad change into a larger job.

If the noise has changed recently, or the pedal feels different, please do not wait for a convenient moment. Brakes that feel wrong are not something to keep driving on.

Brake pads and discs: what does the work involve?

Replacing pads and discs means removing the wheels, checking the calipers, slides and brake hoses, fitting new parts and making sure each wheel brakes evenly. Pads are often renewed in axle sets so the car stops in a straight line.

We also check the brake fluid and look for seized components, because a sticking caliper can wear one side far faster than the other.

• Pads and discs on front or rear axles
• Caliper and brake hose checks
• Brake fluid condition
• Test of braking balance after the work

What is the ABS light telling me?

The ABS light means the anti-lock system has found a fault and may have switched itself off. Your normal brakes usually still work, but you lose the extra control on a wet or slippery road. Common causes include a faulty wheel speed sensor, damaged wiring or a worn wheel bearing.

We use diagnostic equipment to read the fault rather than guess, then explain what is needed. What it costs depends on what the fault turns out to be, so ask for a quote once we know.

Clunks, pulling and heavy steering: is it suspension?

Clunks over speed bumps and potholes often point to worn drop links, bushes, shock absorbers or a broken suspension spring. A hum that rises with speed can be a wheel bearing, and a car that wanders or pulls to one side may have a steering or tracking issue. Uneven wear on the edge of a tyre is another clue.

Heavy or loose steering can come from the power steering system or from worn joints. We can inspect and repair steering and power steering faults, and suspension work including springs and shock absorbers. Whether a particular part can be repaired or needs replacing depends on the vehicle and what we find.

Do you cover Milber, and where do I bring the car?

Yes, drivers from Milber, Newton Abbot, Abbotskerswell, Stoke-in-Teignhead and Teignmouth bring their cars to us. The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL. Because the A380 is close to Milber, many people join it for the drive.

When you contact us, tell us the make, model and year, what you can hear or feel, whether a warning light is on and which wheel seems worst. That lets us give you a sensible quote.