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BRAKES · SUSPENSION · STEERING · COLORADO SPRINGS
BRAKE & SUSPENSION REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Pads, rotors, calipers, struts, ball joints and steering on cars, SUVs, work trucks, diesel pickups and fleet vehicles. We measure everything on a lift and show you photos before any work starts.
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✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
✓ ASE-certified technicians
✓ Female-led, family-owned
What we do
BRAKE, SUSPENSION AND STEERING REPAIR
Colorado hills, mountain grades and heavy trucks work these systems hard every day.
01
Brakes
Mountain driving, towing and stop-and-go traffic wear pads and rotors faster than you might expect.
✓ Pads and shoes measured and photographed
✓ Rotors and drums checked for thickness and runout
✓ Calipers and lines plus hoses and hardware
✓ Brake fluid exchange when testing calls for it
02
Suspension
Worn parts let the vehicle bounce, lean and wander, and they wear your tires unevenly.
✓ Struts and shocks on cars, SUVs and trucks
✓ Control arms and bushings
✓ Ball joints and sway bar links
✓ Coil and leaf springs including work-truck setups
03
Steering
Loose or noisy steering is a safety concern and should be checked quickly.
✓ Rack and pinion and steering gearboxes
✓ Tie rod ends inner and outer
✓ Power steering pumps, hoses and leaks
✓ Electric steering diagnostics and shaft clunks
CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS
KNOWN BRAKE, STEERING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS
Some vehicles have one brake or front-end problem that shows up over and over. These are the ones we see.
FORD · RAM · JEEP
What is death wobble?
Death wobble is a violent shake in the steering wheel and front end after you hit a bump or expansion joint, usually above about 45 mph. It keeps going until you slow way down. It happens on trucks and Jeeps with a solid front axle.
FOUND IN
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350 4x4, Ram 2500/3500, Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator.
WHAT CAUSES IT
Track bar and bushings: the most common cause.
Steering damper: a worn damper hides the problem, it rarely causes it.
Ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link: any loose joint lets one shake feed the next.
Tire balance or pressure: often what sets it off.
Known actions: Ford issued a service bulletin for a new steering damper on 2017–2019 Super Duty 4x4. Jeep ran a free damper replacement program on 2018–2019 Wrangler JL. Ram recalled tie rods on 2008–2012 2500/3500 4x4.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
A full front-end check on a lift, finding the worn part that starts it, not just a new damper to hide it. When the repair affects your alignment, the alignment is done as part of the job.
GM TRUCKS & SUVS
Why is my GM truck’s brake pedal hard?
On many 2014–2018 GM full-size trucks and SUVs, the engine-driven vacuum pump that powers the brake booster loses output over time. The pedal gets hard and stopping distances get longer. GM recalled these vehicles.
FOUND IN
Silverado and Sierra 1500 (2014–2018), Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon (2015–2018), Escalade (2015–2017).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Hard, high-effort pedal: with a “Service brake assist” message and sometimes a ticking noise.
Clunk in the steering wheel at low speed or parking: commonly the intermediate steering shaft, a long-running issue on Silverado and Sierra.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check recall status by VIN, test the vacuum pump and booster, and repair what’s failed.
BRAKE LINES
Why do brake lines rust out?
Steel brake lines rust from the outside in. When one fails, the pedal can go soft or to the floor with no warning. Colorado’s magnesium chloride road de-icer is hard on steel under the truck.
MOST AT RISK
Trucks and SUVs over 10 years old that have seen a lot of winters. Federal regulators looked into brake line failures on 1999–2003 GM full-size trucks and SUVs and advised owners to wash underneath and have the lines inspected.
WHAT YOU NOTICE
A soft or sinking pedal: or brake fluid at a wheel or along the frame.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We inspect the lines on the lift, photograph any rust, and replace lines that can’t be trusted.
AIR SUSPENSION
What goes wrong with air suspension?
Air suspension rides on rubber air springs instead of steel coils. As they age they crack and leak, and the compressor wears out trying to keep up.
FOUND IN
Ram 1500, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes (Airmatic), Land Rover and Range Rover, Audi.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Sitting low after parking overnight: one corner or the whole vehicle.
A “service air suspension” or “vehicle too low” warning.
Compressor running constantly: usually chasing a leak.
Causes: leaking air springs or struts, leaking lines and fittings, a worn compressor, a sticking valve block, a failed height sensor, or moisture freezing in the lines in cold weather.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We find the leak before replacing parts, then repair the springs, lines, compressor or sensors. On European air systems we use a scan tool that can read the suspension module.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
Why did my power steering suddenly get heavy?
Many cars use an electric motor in place of a hydraulic pump. When a sensor or the motor fails, the assist cuts out and the wheel gets heavy, usually with a warning light.
KNOWN RECALLS
Ford: 2008–2011 Escape and Mariner, and 2011–2013 Fusion, Taurus and Flex were recalled.
GM: Malibu, Cobalt, HHR, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura and Ion (specific 2004–2010 years) were recalled.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check recall status by VIN, diagnose the steering module, and repair or replace the steering gear.
TRUCKS & SUVS
Do you install lift and leveling kits?
Yes. We install lift and leveling kits on trucks and SUVs, then check the steering, suspension and brakes so everything works together. The alignment is done as part of the job.
BRAKE PARTS, EXPLAINED
PADS, ROTORS AND WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR VEHICLE
BRAKE PADS
Ceramic or semi-metallic brake pads?
It depends on how you drive.
THE DIFFERENCE
Ceramic: quiet, low dust, long life and easy on rotors. The right pad for most cars, SUVs and daily-driven trucks.
Semi-metallic: steel fibers handle heat better. The right pad for towing, heavy trucks, work vans and mountain driving. The trade-off is more noise, more dust and faster rotor wear.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We match the pad to the vehicle and how you use it, not just what’s on the shelf.
ROTORS
Are drilled and slotted rotors worth it?
Sometimes.
THE DIFFERENCE
Slotted rotors: sweep gas and debris off the pad and keep the bite consistent, which helps on trucks that tow.
Drilled rotors: shed some heat and weight and look good, but cheap drilled rotors can crack around the holes under hard, repeated heat.
Most daily drivers: a quality plain rotor stops just as well and costs less to replace.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We tell you plainly whether they make sense for your vehicle.
EUROPEAN CARS
Why can’t my European car’s rotors be resurfaced?
Most BMW, Mercedes, Audi and VW rotors leave the factory with very little extra thickness. They’re made thin to save weight, so after one set of pads there’s usually nothing left to cut, and the rotors get replaced with the pads. Many of these cars also use pad wear sensors that are replaced at the same time. Plenty of newer domestic and Asian cars are built the same way.
CAN MINE BE RESURFACED?
Every rotor has a minimum thickness stamped on it. If cutting it would take it under that number, it gets replaced.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We measure every rotor, show you the measurement, and only resurface a rotor that still has the thickness for it.
DIESEL & HEAVY TRUCKS
BRAKES AND FRONT ENDS FOR HEAVY TRUCKS
A diesel pickup towing a trailer down Monument Hill puts more heat into its brakes than any car. We work on the heavy stuff every week.
EXHAUST BRAKES
How does an exhaust brake save my brakes?
An exhaust brake partly closes off the exhaust, so the engine pushes against back-pressure and slows the truck. On newer Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins trucks, the turbo does this job. On a long grade it takes the load off your brakes so they stay cool.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check that the exhaust brake engages and holds, and diagnose it when it doesn’t.
HEAVY FRONT ENDS
What wears out on a heavy truck front end?
Heavy engines, big tires and towing wear front ends fast. The usual parts are ball joints, tie rods and the drag link, the track bar, and the steering box. On 4x4 Super Duty and Ram trucks, loose parts here are what lead to death wobble.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
A lift inspection of every joint, heavy-duty part replacement, and leaf spring and overload work for trucks that haul. The alignment is done as part of the repair.
AIR BRAKES
Do you work on air brakes?
Yes. We service air brakes on trucks and diesel pushers: slack adjusters and pushrod stroke, brake chambers, air dryers, leaks, compressors, and drums, rotors and linings.
RV · CLASS A, B & C
RV BRAKES, STEERING AND SUSPENSION
FORD F-53
Why does my motorhome wander on the highway?
Wander and sway on the Ford F-53 chassis is one of the most common complaints from gas motorhome owners.
COMMON CAUSES
Play in the steering box: and worn steering linkage.
Weak shocks: and track bar and sway bar limits.
Loading: a coach loaded heavy up high or unevenly.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check the steering box, linkage, shocks and suspension on the chassis, and tell you what will make the biggest difference.
WORKHORSE
Is my Workhorse motorhome under the brake caliper recall?
It may be. Workhorse recalled the front brake calipers on W20, W21, W22 and W22D motorhome chassis built from July 2000 to August 2010. The caliper pistons can stick, which weakens braking.
WHAT YOU NOTICE
Weaker braking: a soft or spongy pedal and longer stops.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check recall status and brake condition when your coach is in.
DIESEL PUSHERS
What do diesel pusher air brakes need?
Air brakes need regular attention, especially in Colorado winters.
THE CHECKLIST
Air dryer cartridge: replace it on schedule. Moisture in the system corrodes valves and freezes lines.
Air tanks: drain them.
Slack adjusters and pushrod stroke: check them. Auto-adjusters can hide worn brakes.
Chambers, hoses and lines: check for leaks.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
A full air brake inspection and repair.
FLEET
BRAKES AND STEERING FOR FLEETS
Brakes and steering are the biggest part of a DOT inspection, and the parts that take a work truck off the road. We do DOT inspections in-house on all types of trucks. We don’t inspect semi trailers.
DOT INSPECTIONS
What does a DOT inspection check on brakes and steering?
The annual federal inspection checks every part of the brake and steering systems, plus suspension, tires and wheels.
WHAT GETS CHECKED
Brakes: service and parking brakes, drums and rotors, hoses and lines, the low air warning, the air compressor, slack adjusters and pushrod stroke, and the ABS light.
Steering: wheel free play, the column and U-joints, gearbox mounting and pitman arm, power steering, and tie rods and drag links.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We inspect to that list and fix what fails, in the same visit when we can.
ISUZU NPR
What goes wrong with Isuzu NPR brakes?
Many NPRs use a hydraulic brake booster with an electric backup pump.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Brake warning light with a buzzer and a hard pedal: commonly reported causes are a failed backup pump or relay, or low fluid.
Recalls: Isuzu has issued brake-related recalls on some 2018–2019 trucks.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check recall status by VIN, and do booster, pump and brake repair.
COLORADO SPRINGS
DRIVING THE MOUNTAINS ON YOUR BRAKES
Long grades are where brakes overheat and fade. On the Pikes Peak Highway, rangers check brake temperatures at Glen Cove on the way down and have drivers wait if the brakes are too hot.
MOUNTAIN BRAKING
How do I keep my brakes from fading on a long grade?
Let the engine do most of the work and keep the brakes cool.
HOW TO DO IT
Downshift before the grade, not halfway down.
Use the exhaust brake if you have one.
Brake firmly in short bursts instead of riding the pedal.
Get your brakes checked before a mountain trip or towing season, and after if the pedal feels different.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
A free brake inspection with measurements and photos before you go.
ON THE LIFT
WHAT WE CHECK ON EVERY BRAKE AND FRONT-END JOB
Every inspection goes up on a lift, and you get photos of what we find.
BRAKES
Pads, rotors, calipers
• Pad thickness measured at every wheel
• Rotor surface and thickness
• Caliper slides and hardware
• Fluid condition and leaks
ABS
Warning lights and sensors
• Scan for ABS and traction codes
• Wheel speed sensor testing
• Tone rings and wiring
• Hydraulic unit diagnostics
SUSPENSION
Struts, joints, springs
• Strut and shock leaks
• Ball joint and control arm play
• Sway bar links and bushings
• Springs and heavy-duty setups
STEERING
Racks, tie rods, pumps
• Tie rod and rack play
• Power steering leaks and noise
• Steering shaft clunks
• Pull and wander on a road test
FREE INSPECTION
BOOK A FREE BRAKE AND SUSPENSION INSPECTION
Tell us what you hear or feel. We check pads, rotors, fluid and front-end parts, then show you photos before recommending any repair. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743.
BRAKE AND SUSPENSION QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK
Straight answers from our techs
HOW OFTEN DO BRAKES NEED REPLACING?
It depends on the vehicle and how it is driven. Heavy trucks, towing, mountain grades and stop-and-go traffic all wear pads faster. We measure pad thickness at every visit so you know how much is left.
Warning signs
Squealing · Grinding · Pulsing pedal · Brake warning light
What we do
We measure pads and rotors, check calipers, hardware and fluid, and show you photos before recommending anything.
Colorado Springs: Coming down Ute Pass or Monument Hill? Use a lower gear so the engine helps slow you down and the brakes stay cool.
WHY DOES MY BRAKE PEDAL PULSE?
A pulsing pedal usually means the rotors have uneven thickness or deposits on the surface. It often shows up after long downhill braking.
Warning signs
Pedal pulse · Shake when braking · Noise on stops
What we do
We measure rotor thickness and runout and tell you whether the rotors can be resurfaced or need to be replaced.
Colorado Springs: Long grades heat rotors fast. A pulse that shows up after a mountain drive is worth a check.
IS A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL DANGEROUS?
Yes. A soft or sinking pedal can mean air or moisture in the fluid, a leak, or a failing master cylinder. A soft pedal or a red brake light means stop driving and call us.
Warning signs
Soft pedal · Pedal sinks · Red brake light · Fluid at a wheel
What we do
We find the leak or failed part, repair it and bleed the system, then road-test before you pick it up.
WHY DOES MY CAR PULL TO ONE SIDE?
A pull can come from a sticking caliper, worn suspension or steering parts, or the tires. The cause decides the fix.
Warning signs
Pulls when braking · Pulls when driving · Uneven tire wear · Crooked steering wheel
What we do
We road-test it and check brakes, suspension and tires on a lift, then tell you exactly what is causing the pull.
WHAT IS THAT CLUNK OVER BUMPS?
Clunks and knocks over bumps usually come from worn sway bar links, bushings, ball joints or strut mounts.
Warning signs
Clunk over bumps · Knock when turning · Bouncing · Nose-dive when stopping
What we do
We check every joint and mount on a lift and show you which parts are worn and which can wait.
Colorado Springs: Potholes after a freeze-thaw winter are hard on front ends. A new clunk in spring is worth a look.