Brakes, Shocks, Suspension & Axle Repair
Brakes & Rotors Maintenance and Replacement
The Basics Behind Brake Rotor Replacement Services at A & H Automotive
Your vehicle’s brake rotors, in conjunction with its brake pads, are what help bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Most commonly brake rotors are made of cast iron. Your Honda, Toyota, or Subaru brake rotors are the discs that are mounted to the wheel hub and are typically visible through your wheels. When you press down on the brake pedal, the brake pads compress against the rotors to slow your vehicle’s wheels and in turn, reduces your vehicle’s speed.
Rotor construction & design may vary from vehicle to vehicle and from brake system to brake system, but all disc-brakes regardless of the design or the construction all function the same way. Variations in the design of each braking system to help transfer and displace the heat created between the brake pads and the rotors when you slow your vehicle. Disc brake systems can account for heat dissipation in one of two ways: either the rotors will have a ventilated design/crossed drilled, or the brake pads will contain a slot on the surface. These vents and slots help provide passages so air circulation can effectively cool down the rotor. Proper heat dissipation is extremely important for prolonging the life of your rotors and effectiveness in stopping power. Drivers are encouraged to watch their brake rotors and seek rotor resurfacing or rotor replacements when necessary.
Shocks & Suspension Repair
The Basics Behind Shock Replacement Services at A & H Automotive
Shock absorbers are components in your vehicle’s suspension system that help your tires remain in contact with the surface of the road. They dampen the impact of road force and absorb the rebound of springs and other suspension components. Front and rear shocks are designed to adjust to driving conditions, like bumps, potholes, and sudden maneuvers. They also reduce bounce rate, sway, and brake dive or acceleration squat. Modern-day shocks are velocity-sensitive, which means that the faster the springs and other suspension components are moving, the more resistance provided by the shocks. Hydraulic shocks convert kinetic energy from the springs into thermal energy that the hydraulic fluid inside each shock absorbs and dissipates. When the suspension system bounces, hydraulic fluid is forced through holes inside the piston. This slows the compression of the piston, thereby slowing down spring and suspension movement. While hydraulic and gas shocks are the most common types of shocks used on vehicles today, some vehicles also use electronic and air shocks.
Axles & Differentials: Knowledge, Maintenance and Repair
Axles & Differentials Defined:
Your car or truck’s axle connects the two wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. And the differential is the gears and bearings located inside the transmission or the housing of the axle.
Power from the engine and transmission are transferred to the wheels and tires through your driveshaft, axles, CV-joints, U-joints, transfer cases, differentials, and wheel hubs. These parts are generally strong enough to last a very long time but if you hear clunking, whining, a squeaking noise, or feel a vibration, it may indicate a problem.
Avoiding Damage:
To avoid serious damage or failure, have your vehicle checked by the trained professionals at A&H Automotive. Our auto repair center can provide all of your vehicle’s service needs specified in the owner’s manual. Our skilled technicians perform a wide range of services, making A&H in South Florida your one-stop shop for all of your vehicle’s repairs and maintenance.
Maintenance and Repair:
Your Honda, Toyota, or Subaru’s differential lube level should be checked with every oil change. Some differentials require periodic cleaning and repacking of wheel bearings. If you drive an SUV or light truck, and especially if you pull a boat (meaning these components may get submerged in water), the axle lube should be changed every year. You can always refer to your owner’s manual for factory-recommended maintenance intervals for your specific vehicle.
A&H Auto technicians are experts in axles and differentials. Differential problems should be checked out as soon as possible. Symptoms include clunking when you accelerate or shift between drive and reverse, or a high-pitched howling type of noise. Making sure your vehicle’s axles and differential are properly maintained will save you more costly repairs in the future. It can be easy to overlook this area of service for your vehicle, but if you’re a customer of A & H we make sure you stay on top of things. If we see something that needs to be replaced or repaired now to avoid those more costly repairs we’ll let you know. At A & H, we’ve got your back!
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