• Eliza Snow: istock.com
  
  Brake problems can consist of malfunctioning components that include the pedals, rotors, brake pads/discs or master cylinder--the key components of a brake system. Caused by a defect or wear and tear, faulty components can lead to brake failure, noise, diminished brake power or alignment issues.
  
  Brake noises are typically caused by the brake rotor, located between the wheel and the spindle and made of cast iron. Brake pads can also be the root of brake noises. Also made from a metal or hard organic compound, brake pads and rotors work together in stopping the car.
  
  Malfunctioning pedals can cause the pedals to sink or too much movement to occur. Upon pressing, the pedal turns the brake lights on and also transmits force to the master cylinder, which is composed of a piston and a hydraulic system. Pedal problems are typically caused by a malfunctioning master cylinder, piston, brake lines or leaking fluid reservoirs.
  
  

Pulling Brakes

• Brakes that pull to one side are caused by an imbalance in the rotors or in the amount of friction materials on the left and right front brakes, defective wheel cylinder or caliper or contaminated brake linings.
  
  

Pulsing Brakes

• On newer automobiles, the rotors wear out after about 1,000 miles and rotor warp occurs more easily. A result of overheating or the wheel being tightened incorrectly, warned rotors can result in causing brakes to seem as though they are pulsating. In order to solve this issue, rotors will need to be resurfaced or replaced.
  
  

Dragging Brakes

• The effects of dragging brakes include increased fuel consumption or a steering wheel pull. This condition is caused when the retraction springs on the drum brakes are weak or broken, a caliper piston is jammed or worn, the emergency brake cable is not functioning properly or the drum brake self-adjusters are overextended.
  
  

Grabbing Brakes

• When brakes feel as though they are catching on something, oil, brake or grease fluid on the linings are common culprits. Additionally, drums or rotors that are badly scored can also cause the grabbing of brakes.
  
  

Low Fluids

• If brake fluids are low, a leak in the brake system is typically the cause. Leaks may cause brake failure altogether, and the defective part causing the leak needs to be repaired or replaced immediately.
  
  

Squealing Brakes

• When a brake's disc pads and caliper rub together and produce brake dust, brakes will make a squealing sound. Solutions include the application brake grease to the back of the pads or a finish to the rotors after they have been resurfaced or the installation of new brake pads and pad shims.
  
  

Scraping Brakes

• Brakes that make scraping noises typically means a brake job, which includes new brake linings and hardware and drum and rotor resurfacing.
  
  

Excessive Movement of Pedals

• Brakes that have excessive movement is caused by air in the brake lines, incorrectly adjusted drum brakes or worn brake linings.
  
  

Sinking Pedals

• Sinking pedals are the result of a leaking hydraulic system or a worn master cylinder.
  
  

Hard Pedals

• When brakes are pressed, and there seems to be a lack of power assist, it is typically the result of a malfunctioning booster or leaky vacuum hose. If either are indeed the case, a new hose or booster is needed.