2001 Hyundai Elantra Are my brakes working properly?

D_TORRES2

MEMBER
2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

I am trying to figure out if my brakes are being as responsive as they should be. It seems to me that my car doesn't slow down as quickly as it should when I apply the brakes. My girlfriends 97 CRV has very sensitive brakes that only require slight pressure before the car begins to slow down. However, when I drive my car, I need to begin braking well ahead of where I want to stop and I'm afraid that if I ever need to stop suddenly I won't be able to. Is this the case with all Elantra's or do my brakes need work?

Monday, December 7th, 2009 AT 6:28 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

The most common reason brakes don't work as well as they should is due to adjustment. If you have rear drum brakes, have the adjustment checked. THe rear brakes do aprox 40% of the stopping, so if they are out of adjustment, it will be noticeable.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Monday, December 7th, 2009 AT 11:15 PM

D_TORRES2

MEMBER
2 POSTS

When I had the brake shoes changed the guy at the shop suggested having them cut and the drums machined, I couldn't afford it so I declined. Is it really necessary to have that done in order for the shoes to work well? I've heard from several people that it isn't always necessary.

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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 10:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

I never recommend cutting drums or rotors unless there is a pulsation when the brakes are applied. However, I always sand the drums with an emery cloth to help clean off any glaze. This is something you could do yourself if you want.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 10:42 PM