Ford Brake Service in Birmingham, AL
Choosing a certified Ford service department like ours ensures top-quality brake services performed to factory standards.
Ford Brake Service in Birmingham, AL
Our Stivers Ford of Birmingham dealership is your one-stop shop for all brake-related needs. Whether you need a brake inspection, want to replace your brake pads, or are looking at resurfacing your rotors, we have the tools and expertise you need.
Taking care of your brakes is essential if you want your vehicle to be as safe as possible. Visit our service center and let our experts get your brakes back in top condition.
How To Tell if You Need New Brakes
If you’re wondering whether it is time to replace your brake pads, there are several warning signs to watch for. One of the most common signs is noise when you press the brake pedal. Squealing or squeaking can mean your brake pads should be inspected.
Grinding is a more serious sign. If your brakes make a grinding sound, it may mean metal is rubbing against metal, and you should bring your vehicle in as soon as possible. Another sign is a wobbling steering wheel while braking, which can point to a warped rotor affecting braking performance. In some cases, a mildly warped rotor can be resurfaced rather than replaced.
Dashboard warning lights can also point to brake problems. If your brake warning light or ABS light turns on, your vehicle may be detecting an issue with fluid levels, pad wear, or another braking system component. Our team can inspect the system, diagnose the issue, and recommend the proper repair.
Types of Brakes
While all brake systems are designed to slow your vehicle, they do so in different ways. Disc brakes use brake pads that squeeze a rotor to slow wheel movement. They are common on many modern vehicles and provide strong, consistent braking performance.
Drum brakes use brake shoes activated by hydraulic pressure to slow the vehicle over time. Both disc and drum brake systems can be serviced or replaced by our team. Hybrid and electric vehicles may also use regenerative braking, which helps recover energy while slowing the vehicle.
Certified Ford Brake Services
Brake System Inspection/Diagnosis
Staying on top of brake maintenance is a great way to support safety and overall vehicle performance. We inspect each part of your braking system to identify wear, leaks, or damaged components and recommend the right solution.
Every brake appointment begins with an inspection. We evaluate fluid levels, inspect the parking brake, review brake pad wear, and check related components throughout the system. Once we identify the issue, we can repair or replace the necessary part using genuine OEM components designed to fit your Ford properly.
Brake Fluid Exchange
Brake fluid is a critical part of your braking system. It transfers the force created by the master cylinder to the calipers, helping your brake pads apply pressure to the rotors. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, which reduces effectiveness and may lead to a soft pedal feel or weaker stopping performance.
Moisture contamination can also contribute to internal corrosion in brake system components. To help maintain braking performance and long-term system health, most manufacturers recommend a brake fluid exchange every two to three years.
Brake Pad Replacement
Brake pads create the friction needed to slow down or stop your vehicle. Over time, they wear down from repeated heat and pressure, which reduces their effectiveness and can affect stopping distance.
We recommend replacing brake pads when they reach around 3 to 4 millimeters of thickness. Timely replacement helps maintain braking performance and can also help prevent unnecessary wear to other brake components, including the rotors.
Brake Rotor Resurfacing/Replacement
Resurfacing rotors can be a practical option when replacing brake pads if the rotor condition allows it. This process removes a portion of the worn or uneven rotor surface so the new brake pads can contact a smoother surface.
Rotors can become warped from heat, corrosion, rust, or long-term wear. If the rotor remains within safe specifications, resurfacing may be an option. If not, replacement may be the better choice for safety and performance.
Brake Component Repairs
As your vehicle accumulates mileage or sees heavier use from stop-and-go traffic, towing, or driving in hilly terrain, brake components can wear down and require attention. This can include brake lines, hoses, calipers, or the master cylinder.
Over time, leaks, corrosion, sticking calipers, and worn components can affect braking power and overall safety. Our technicians can inspect, diagnose, and repair these issues to help restore proper braking performance.
