Brake Repair in Petaluma
Pads, rotors, calipers, and complete brake system repair. The service we're named for -- and the one we do best.
A brake system is a lot of small parts working together, and any one of them failing can turn a routine stop into a dangerous one. We inspect the whole system on every visit -- pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and fluid -- not just the part you called about, because a worn caliper will eat a new set of pads in months if it's not caught.
Signs you need a brake inspection
- Squealing, grinding, or a metal-on-metal sound when braking
- Pulsing or vibration through the pedal or steering wheel
- The car pulling to one side when you brake
- A soft, spongy, or low brake pedal
- The brake warning light on your dash
What we do
- Pad and rotor replacement, front and rear
- Caliper repair and replacement
- Brake fluid flush and line inspection
- Emergency/parking brake service
- Full brake system diagnosis, including ABS
Pads, rotors, or both?
Brake pads are the wear item: the friction material that presses against the rotor every time you stop. Rotors are the metal discs the pads squeeze. Pads wear out first, and rotors wear more slowly, but pads left too long will score a rotor, and a warped or worn-thin rotor is the usual cause of a pulsing pedal. Whether a rotor can be resurfaced or needs replacing depends on how much metal is left.
A Petaluma brake shop that looks at the whole car
Brakes are the job we're named for, and our mechanics do brake work on all makes and models, foreign and domestic. If you're searching for a brake shop or a mechanic you can trust in Petaluma or southern Sonoma County, call (707) 762-3812 or stop by 1051A Lakeville St, right off Highway 101.
We won't sell you a full brake job when a fluid flush and an adjustment will do -- and we'll tell you plainly when something's close enough to wait, and when it isn't. Every repair is backed by Accu-Line's NAPA Auto Care nationwide warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need new brake pads?
Squealing is your pads telling you they're getting thin -- that's a built-in wear indicator, not damage. Grinding means the pads are gone and metal is hitting metal, which is harder on the rotors and the wallet. If you're hearing either, get it looked at before it turns into a rotor replacement too. Some vehicles also have a wear-indicator light or a percentage meter on the dash.
How much does a brake job cost?
Depends on the vehicle and what's actually worn -- pads alone are a different job than pads, rotors, and calipers. We inspect the full system first and tell you what's actually needed, not a generic quote before we've looked at the car.
How often should brake fluid be flushed?
Most manufacturers call for every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point -- that matters most exactly when you need your brakes most, going down a hill or stopping hard.
Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts?
We'll use what's right for the vehicle and tell you the tradeoff either way. Every brake job is backed by Accu-Line's NAPA Auto Care nationwide warranty regardless of which we use.
Is a grinding noise always brakes?
Usually, but not always -- a failing wheel bearing or a stone stuck in the caliper can sound similar. Worth a real inspection rather than guessing, since a brake diagnosis and a bearing diagnosis lead to different repairs.