2004-2013 Mazda3 Brake Job
The 2004-2013 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the mechanical brake system, but not paying attention to the details can end in a post-brake-job comeback.
Brake Job: BMW 1-Series (2008-2013)
The BMW 1-Series might be the least expensive BMW, but it shares a lot of the procedures that are common when it comes to servicing brakes on larger BMWs.
Brake Job: 2003-2011 Honda Element
It may look like a car that was never removed from the box, but the Honda Element isn’t boxy when it comes to the brakes. The Element is based on the CR-V platform and, while there is nothing tricky about this brake system, it is hardware intensive, with floating shims, abutment clips and pad separator springs in the front.
Brake Job Specifications: 2009-2017 Dodge Ram
The fourth generation Dodge Ram is probably one of the most trouble-free brake systems you’ll see. There are light- and heavy-duty brake packages. The light-duty package for the 1500 uses floating dual-piston calipers in the front and single-piston floating calipers in the rear. The heavy-duty package for the 2500 and 3500 uses floating dual-piston calipers in the front and dual-piston floating calipers in the rear.
Brake Job: 2012-Current Cadillac ATS
There are two brake packages for the ATS. The base JE5 uses single-piston calipers in the front and rear. The J55 or J6 is typically found on the ATS-V, and uses larger rotors and a four-piston caliper in the front. There is also an option for a more aggressive track pad on the ATS-V.
Brake Job: 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline
You might assume that the Honda Ridgeline shares a lot of the same components as the Pilot. Aside from the general proportions, the Ridgeline is a different vehicle made in a different plant. The brakes on the Ridgeline are robust and have very few problems with noise or pulsation. Where the service issues can be found are with the parking brake and hydraulics.
Brake Job: Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler JK can be deceiving. If you look at the brake pads, rotors and calipers, it looks like just about every other truck. When you look at the front and rear suspension, it looks dated with a front live axle. But, don’t underestimate the JK because it has one of the most hydraulically sophisticated ABS and stability control systems on the market.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Brake Job (Fourth Gen)
The Pathfinder’s brake layout is relatively straightforward with ABS and Traction Control on all four wheels. The system switches fluid pressure of each brake caliper to increase, hold or decrease via signals from the control unit in the ABS actuator and electric control unit.
Ford F-150 (2009-2014) Brake Job
There are more than 3.6 million 2009-’14 Ford F-Series trucks on the road today, and the majority of these are the F150 model. The 12th generation of the truck, and specifically its brake system, has had very few problems since most of the brake system was carried over from the previous platform.
First Generation Kia Soul Brake Job
Brakes on the Soul are conventional single-piston calipers and four-wheel discs on most trim levels and very straightforward to service. Some of the basic trimmed models had drum brakes in the rear. While these brakes have been relatively trouble-free in the first generation models, there have been some complaints about brakes that “grab” or feel “too sensitive” when engaged.
