6 Common Signs It’s Time to Replace Your ATV Brakes
Whether for work or for play, you put in the hours on your four-wheeler or side-by-side. However, brakes are one of the most common ATV replacement parts, which might not be something you think about when you’re performing regular maintenance. We have you covered with seven signs that it might be time to replace your ATV or UTV’s brakes.
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1. The Brake Light is On
A surefire way to know if you need to service your brakes is if the brake light comes on your off-road vehicle. While not all ATVs or UTV’s have brake lights, the ones that do will appear on the dashboard. Be sure to check your quad’s owner’s manual to know if yours has a brake light indicator.
2. There’s a Noise When You Brake
When you’re riding, listen out for a squealing or squeaking noise when you brake. This could be another sign that there’s something happening with your off-roader’s braking system. It could be as common as your brake pads wearing down or a more serious issue.
3. It’s Taking Longer to Stop
If you notice that it’s taking longer than usual to come to a full and complete stop, this could mean there’s an issue with your brake system. Braking for a long distance can often cause this issue, especially when riding down a steep hill. This causes the brake pads to connect with the rotors for a longer period of time, which causes wear.
4. The ATV Pulls to One Side
If you notice your ATV or UTV pulling to one side when you brake, this could mean that your brake pads aren’t wearing evenly. Sometimes, one side gets thinner faster, causing your off-road vehicle to favor one side more when you apply the brakes.
5. The Brakes Vibrant When Applied
Do you feel the brake pedal vibrate when you press on it? This is likely another issue with your brake pads. Overtime, the resin that binds brake pads can distribute unevenly when the pads wear down, causing a shaky or vibrating brake pedal.
6. The Brakes Feel Soft When Applied
If the brakes feel soft or spongey when you press them, this could mean that there’s air in the brake line. This air can obstruct the flow of brake fluid in your braking system, which prevents a smooth braking action. However, you can avoid getting new brakes by bleeding the braking system—a technique that involves flushing the brake fluid.
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There’s a Fluid Leak
Before you ride, you should always inspect your four-wheeler or side-by-side and the area around it. If you notice any leaks from your off-roader, check the brake line for leaking fluid. Losing brake fluid makes it harder to stop, which can be dangerous when you’re working or riding. Even if you aren’t losing any fluid, it’s always a good idea to routinely check your vehicle’s brake fluid levels and ensure that the fluid is free of debris and dirt.
If you experience these issues when riding your off-roader, it’s a good idea to inspect the brakes yourself or take your four-wheeler or side-by-side to a mechanic for new brakes.
Arielle Patterson
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