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Brake System Repairs: Real World Costs, Parts, Labour & No -Nonsense Truth Part 1

Brake System Repairs: Real World Costs, Parts, Labour & No -Nonsense Truth Part 1

Car Connection Workshop Jan 12, 2026 38 min
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About this episode

Delve into the critical importance of brake systems in this engaging discussion, focusing on the real-world costs associated with brake repairs. Nile Jenkins shares insights from industry estimates, emphasizing the necessity of using parking brakes, even in automatic vehicles, to prevent costly repairs. With a detailed breakdown of a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500's brake system, listeners will learn how neglecting rear brakes can lead to more significant issues and expenses. The episode combines humor with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for vehicle maintenance.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

internal combustion engines

"...you know, we've gone from internal combustion engines with carburetors kids today don't even know what a carburetor is..."

Internal combustion engines are the most common type of engine in cars. They work by burning fuel to create energy that moves the car.

Term

carburetor

"...with carburetors kids today don't even know what a carburetor is then we went to feedback carburetor..."

A carburetor is a part of older car engines that mixes air and fuel together so the engine can run. Many modern cars use a different system called fuel injection instead.

Term

multi-point fuel injection

"Multi-point fuel injection and think about that for a minute acronyms...Then it went feedback carburetor then it went throttle body injection then it went MPFI..."

Multi-point fuel injection means that each part of the engine gets its own little spray of fuel, making it run better and more efficiently. It's a modern way to help engines get the right amount of fuel.

Part

parking brake

"Today we're gonna cover because I have an estimate for it. Parking brake how important that rear parking brake system is to the rest of the braking system on the rear."

The parking brake is a special brake that you use to keep your car from moving when it's parked. It's important for safety, especially if you're on a hill.

Part

braking system

"Parking brake how important that rear parking brake system is to the rest of the braking system on the rear."

The braking system is what helps your car slow down or stop when you press the brake pedal. It includes parts like brake pads and rotors that work together to make your car stop safely.

Part

rotors

"It usually ends up that the rotors."

Rotors are round metal discs in your car's braking system. When you press the brakes, the pads squeeze against the rotors to help slow down the car.

Company

Niagara region City Auto Sales and leasing

"...the Niagara region City Auto Sales and leasing that's Earl and Louise Grant. They've earned the title..."

This is a car dealership that sells used cars. They focus on selling cars that have low mileage and are in good condition.

Car

Dodge Ram

"...selected a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500..."

The Dodge Ram 1500 is a large truck that can be used for work or personal use. It's known for being powerful and comfortable to drive, making it a good choice for carrying heavy loads or going on trips.

Car

Ram 1500

"...not the only person He selected a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Make sure you're asking questions to those who h..."
Term

emergency brake

"...for your average Joe Commuter car what it's cost for rear rear brakes including the emergency brake because we can't do the rear brakes..."

The emergency brake is a special brake that you use to keep your car from moving when it's parked. It's important to use it, especially on hills, to make sure your car stays still.

Part

calipers

"...more than likely nine times out of 10 the calipers are going to be done because you burn the brakes right down to nothing..."

Calipers are parts of your car's brakes that hold the brake pads and push them against the discs to help stop the car. If they get worn out, they might need to be replaced to ensure your brakes work well.

Term

drafting

"Oh, I look in the rear view mirror. He's uh drafting with me..."

Drafting is when one car drives closely behind another car to go faster. It helps the second car because it has less wind pushing against it.

Term

on ramp

"To pass me on the on ramp..."

An on ramp is a road that lets cars get onto a highway. It helps drivers speed up to match the traffic on the highway.

Part

backing plates

"...the park brake is not working because you've never used it. It's all rotted out the backing plates that hold the shoes are rotted out..."

Backing plates are parts of the braking system that hold the brake shoes in place. They help the brakes work properly by providing a surface for the shoes to push against when you stop the car.

Term

differential

"Because now you got to take the differential you got to pull the axles out and it's not as easy as you think. It's a lot more work"

A differential helps your car's wheels turn at different speeds, especially when going around corners. This makes driving smoother and helps prevent tire wear.

Part

brake shoes

"So the rear brake shoes. The little teeny weeny shoes. I call them miniatures."

Brake shoes are parts that help stop the car by pressing against the inside of round brake drums. They are usually smaller than the pads used in disc brakes.

Term

automatic transmission

"It's an automatic transmission and the parking brake is it's not it's not a necessity..."

An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears on its own, so you don't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Term

rear brake pads

"On a lot of vehicles adjust helps to adjust the rear brake pads So that you have more braking on the rear and the rear brake pads are adjusted"

Rear brake pads are the parts that help stop the car by pressing against the wheels at the back. They work together with the front brakes to make sure the car stops safely and evenly.

Term

brake application

"As you're applying the brakes and we're going to talk about brake application in a few moments here stay with me"

Brake application is when you press the brake pedal to make the car slow down or stop. It's important to do this correctly to ensure the car stops safely.

Part

disc brake

"...in conjunction with your disc brake portion on the rear..."

Disc brakes help cars stop by using pads to squeeze a round metal disc. They are better at handling heat and stopping power compared to older brake systems.

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