We service and repair brake systems at the Ariol Auto workshop in Tallinn. We look for the cause of the fault and replace worn parts. We agree the scope of work and the cost with you before the repair starts.
Priisle tee 18, Tallinn
Mon–Fri: 09:00–18:00
Cars and minibuses of all makes
What brake servicing includes
Brakes wear gradually, and drivers often get used to the changes. The scope of the repair depends on what exactly is worn or faulty.
Fault finding
If the brakes are noisy or vibrate, or the pedal feels different than before, we look for the cause first and only then decide what to repair.
Parts replacement
We determine which parts are needed — pads, discs or others — and replace only what is actually worn or faulty.
Brake system repair
We fix the fault and check the brakes after the work.
Preventive checks
Regular checks help spot wear early — before noise, vibration or a long stopping distance appear.
Warranty
Work and spare parts are covered by a 6-month warranty. The terms are on the Prices page.
When to have your brakes checked
Brake problems usually show up through sound, the pedal or the way the car behaves. Book a visit if any of the following applies:
The brakes squeal or squeak. A high-pitched squeal when braking often comes from the wear indicator: a metal tab on the pad touches the disc when the friction material is almost worn away.
You hear metal grinding. Grinding when braking usually means the pad’s friction material has worn away completely and its metal backing plate is rubbing against the disc. This damages the disc quickly — have the brakes checked as soon as possible.
The pedal feels soft or sinks. If the pedal goes down further than usual or feels spongy, the cause may be air in the system, a leak or old brake fluid.
The pedal has become hard. If you have to press the pedal noticeably harder than before, the cause is often the brake booster.
The stopping distance has increased. If the car stops less well than before, the brakes need checking even if there are no other signs.
The steering wheel or pedal vibrates when braking. Most often the cause is the brake disc: its thickness has become uneven or it has runout. If the steering wheel also vibrates when you are not braking, have the wheel balancing checked.
The car pulls to one side when braking. This usually means the brakes on one side are weaker or binding. If the car also pulls during normal driving, the cause may be the wheel alignment.
A wheel binds or gets very hot. If after a drive one wheel is hotter than the others or you notice a burning smell, the brake on that wheel is probably not releasing fully.
You see brake fluid leaks. Traces of fluid near a wheel or a falling level in the reservoir point to a leak. Without fluid, the brakes can fail.
The brake or ABS warning light is on. A red brake warning light with the parking brake released may mean the fluid level is low. If the ABS light is on, we read the control unit fault codes during car diagnostics.
Why brakes wear
When you press the pedal, the brake fluid transfers the force to the pistons, and the pads are pressed against the discs or drums. Friction slows the wheel down, so the pads and discs gradually wear — this is normal wear.
Brakes wear faster for other reasons:
- salt, water and dirt in winter cause corrosion: the caliper guide pins stop moving freely, and the pads wear unevenly;
- a binding brake does not release fully — the pads and disc overheat and wear faster;
- rust or dirt between the disc and the hub causes disc runout; over time, the disc’s thickness becomes uneven and vibration appears;
- brake fluid absorbs moisture over time: its boiling point drops, and the metal parts of the system start to rust from the inside.
When not to drive on
It is dangerous to keep driving if:
- the red brake warning light is on although the parking brake is released;
- the pedal sinks almost to the floor;
- brake fluid is visible under the car or near a wheel;
- you hear loud metal grinding when braking;
- the car pulls sharply to one side when braking.
Stop in a safe place and have the car brought to the workshop by a recovery truck.
How to make your brakes last longer
Brakes last longer if you keep an eye on them and replace worn parts in good time. What owners should know:
- the brake fluid change interval is set by the vehicle manufacturer and is usually based on time, not just mileage — often every two years;
- a brake disc has a minimum permissible thickness, which is stamped on the disc itself. Once the disc has worn down to this value, it is replaced;
- pads and discs are replaced on both sides of the same axle at the same time, so that the brakes work evenly and the car does not pull to one side;
- new pads need bedding in: for the first few hundred kilometres, avoid unnecessary hard braking;
- it is worth having the brakes checked after winter: salt and moisture speed up corrosion of the discs and caliper guide pins.
The exact service intervals and permissible wear limits for your car are given in the manufacturer’s documentation.
How brake repair works
First we look for the fault, then we agree the work with you, and only then do we start the repair.
Diagnostics
We ask when and how the problem shows itself and assess how worn the parts are.
Estimate and approval
We explain what is worn or faulty, determine which parts need replacing, and agree the scope of work and the cost with you before the repair starts.
Repair
We carry out the agreed work. If we find another fault during the repair, we agree it with you before fixing it.
Final check
After the repair, we check the brakes.
Frequently asked questions about brake repair
How much does brake repair cost?
It depends on the car and on what exactly is worn or faulty. Work is charged at an hourly rate, and current prices are on the Prices page. We agree the scope of work and the cost before the repair starts.
How often should the brakes be checked?
Follow your car manufacturer’s service schedule. In addition, it is worth having the brakes checked after winter, and straight away if you notice noise or vibration, the pedal feels different or the stopping distance has increased.
Can I drive if my brakes squeak?
A squeak does not always mean a fault, but it is often the pad wear indicator. Do not put off the check: once the friction material has worn away completely, the pad will start to damage the disc. If you hear metal grinding, it is dangerous to drive on.
Why does the steering wheel vibrate when braking?
Most often because of the brake disc: its thickness has become uneven or the disc has developed runout. If the vibration is also there when you are not braking, the cause may be wheel balancing or the suspension.
Why change the brake fluid if the level is fine?
The fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and its boiling point drops. During long or heavy braking it can boil — the pedal then becomes soft and the brakes work less well. That is why manufacturers set the change interval by time.
How long does the repair take?
It depends on the fault. We will tell you once it is clear what exactly needs to be replaced or repaired.
Is there a warranty on the repair?
Yes. Work and spare parts are covered by a 6-month warranty. The terms are on the Prices page.
How do I book a brake repair?
Fill in the form on this page or call +372 5552 7985. Give your registration number or VIN and briefly describe what is happening with the brakes: when the problem appeared and how it shows itself.
Book a brake check
Fill in the short form below — we will find a time that suits you.
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