What Causes Grabbing Brakes?
Ironically automotive brakes that grab when applied are not just brakes that “really work” as some novice drivers are inclined to think. Grabbing brakes is actually an indicator that your brakes are not working properly and this is dangerous. This can be an indicator that you have oil or other engine fluids in your brake shoes or linings. It could also, less commonly, indicate that your car’s brake drums are incorrectly sized. Your mechanic will likely look for scoring on your rotors when the tires are pulled off and the brakes can be safely accessed. Scoring refers to intense scratching or grooves on the rotors that can lead to brake grabbing. In the worst case scenario scoring can lead to binding which makes the car’s wheels slow improperly and can lead to brake failure or the car pulling to one side when the brakes are applied. Any of these conditions can be dangerous and can result in your car failing to stop when you need it to. When your brakes work properly they should not be gr