BRAKE50
Brake Service
$50 OFFper axle
- Pads, rotors and calipers
- Any make, parts and labor
Brakes & Suspension in San Jose, CA
Pads, rotors, calipers, shocks and struts, measured, quoted and approved by you before we start.
How your brakes and suspension work
When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid carries that pressure to the calipers, which squeeze the pads against the rotors. The friction slows the car and turns its motion into heat. Pads and rotors wear down by design, so replacing them is normal upkeep, not a sign something went wrong.
Your suspension keeps the tires pressed to the road. Shocks and struts control bounce, while bushings, ball joints and tie rods hold everything in line. Worn suspension parts can lengthen stopping distances and wear tires unevenly, which is why we look at brakes and suspension together.
Signs you need brake or suspension work
- A squeal when you brake. Many pads have a small wear indicator that squeals when they get thin.
- Grinding or scraping. That often means metal on metal, so get the car in soon.
- A pulsing pedal or a shaking steering wheel when you slow down.
- A soft or sinking pedal. That points to a fluid or hydraulic problem; have it checked before you drive further.
- The car pulls to one side under braking.
- A brake warning light. On many European cars, a pad wear sensor turns on a dashboard message.
- Bouncing after bumps, the nose diving when you stop, clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear.
What we check and do
Every brake job starts with measurements. We measure pad and rotor thickness against the maker's minimums and look for scoring and uneven wear. We check the calipers for sticking or leaks, the hoses and lines for damage, and the brake fluid for condition. On the suspension side we inspect shocks and struts for leaks and weak damping, and check bushings, ball joints and tie rods for play.
Then we tell you what we found. Pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, shocks and struts are all part of the work we do, and the estimate is based on what the measurements show.
What to expect
Pads, rotors, calipers, shocks and struts are measured, quoted and approved by you before we start. You get a written estimate that lists each part, and no work begins without your go-ahead. You decide what gets done and when. Check our current specials for any brake offer running this month.
Related services
- Factory Scheduled Maintenance, where brake fluid replacement is often on the schedule
- Pre-Purchase Inspection to check brakes and suspension on a used car before you buy
- Oil & Fluid Service, which includes our complimentary 50-point inspection
Bring it to our San Jose shop on Keyes St. Book a time online or call (408) 298-7777.
This month's deals
Shop-set specials. Mention the code when you book.
Not combinable with other offers unless noted · Mention the code before we write up your order; can't be applied to past invoices · Most cars and light trucks · Not valid on insurance, warranty or fleet work · No cash value.
Five minutes from Downtown San Jose.
222 Keyes St, Unit 104
San Jose, CA 95112
San Jose, CA 95112
In Spartan Keyes, just off S 6th St, free parking on site. Near Excite Ballpark and Happy Hollow. We serve drivers across San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell and Milpitas.
Questions we hear every week.
Do I need new rotors every time I replace my pads?
Not always. We measure rotor thickness and check for scoring and uneven wear. If the rotors are within the maker's limits and in good shape, we tell you. If they are below spec, replacing them is the safe call.
My brakes squeal but still stop fine. Is it urgent?
Get them checked soon. Many pads have a built-in wear indicator that squeals when they get thin. Catching them at that stage often means pads only, before the rotors take damage.
How often should brake fluid be replaced?
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can corrode parts inside the system. Many makers set a time-based interval, and your owner's manual lists the one for your car.
Why does my car bounce or clunk over bumps?
Bouncing usually points to worn shocks or struts. A clunk often comes from worn bushings, ball joints or links. We inspect the suspension and show you what is worn before we quote the repair.
Bring it to Keyes St. Walk-ins welcome weekdays.
Call, text, or just swing by.