Brake Repair for Cars, SUVs & Heavy-Duty Trucks
Pads, rotors, calipers, lines and fluid, from compact cars and minivans to loaded 1-ton trucks. We show you what's worn and only replace what needs it.
Your brakes are the one system you can't afford to put off. The good news is that brake problems usually give plenty of warning, and catching them early is almost always cheaper. Replacing pads before they're metal-on-metal can save the rotors.
Signs you need brake service
- Squealing or squeaking when you stop (many pads have a built-in wear indicator)
- Grinding, which often means the pads are gone and metal is contacting the rotor
- Vibration or pulsation in the pedal or steering wheel when braking
- The vehicle pulls to one side under braking
- A soft, low or spongy pedal
- ABS or brake warning lights on the dash
- A burning smell or one wheel noticeably hotter than the others after a drive
What we do
We start by checking everything: pad and shoe thickness, rotor and drum condition, caliper slides and pistons, hoses and hard lines, and the condition of the brake fluid. Then we tell you what we found, what needs to happen now and what can wait. Typical work includes:
- Brake pad and rotor replacement, front and rear
- Caliper replacement and slide service
- Brake hose and rusted hard line repair (common on Missouri vehicles that see road salt)
- Brake fluid flush
- ABS diagnosis, including wheel speed sensors
- Parking brake repair
Heavy-duty trucks are different
A 3/4- or 1-ton diesel pickup weighs a lot before you hitch anything to it. These trucks need heavy-duty pads and rotors, and they wear them faster when they tow. We regularly do brake work on F-250/F-350, Ram 2500/3500 and Silverado/Sierra HD trucks, and we'll recommend parts that match how you actually use the truck. Pulling a trailer? Have us check the trailer brakes and brake controller too.
I recently had brakes installed on my Ford F-350 Super Duty at Elite Diesel and the experience was nothing short of exceptional… Not only was the brake job completed efficiently and professionally, but he went above and beyond by loaning me his personal truck while the work was being done.
Brake FAQ
Do I always need new rotors with new pads?
No. If the rotors are within spec and not warped, grooved or heat-damaged, they may be reused. We measure and show you, rather than replacing them by default.
How long does a brake job take?
A typical pad and rotor job on one axle takes a couple of hours, depending on the vehicle and parts availability. Call ahead and we'll give you an estimate.