Hours vary Novato (415) 898-4842
Hamiltons automotive INC
Brake Repair

Family-owned · Novato, CA

Brake Repair

Pads, rotors, calipers, and ABS, diagnosed and fixed at one Bay Area shop.

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Brake Repair That Gets It Right

Brake repair isn't something you put off. If you're hearing grinding, feeling a soft pedal, or your car is pulling hard to one side when you stop, those aren't quirks. They're the system failing. Hamiltons Automotive handles full brake repair at 1032 First Street, from straightforward pad swaps to caliper replacements and ABS brake module work. We've got 111 Google reviews averaging 4.7 stars, and the reason people keep coming back is simple: Leo runs a shop where the diagnosis is honest and the work gets done right the first time. Call 415-898-4842 and tell us what you're hearing.

A brake job isn't just swapping pads. Sticking calipers cause uneven wear and pull, and if the brake booster or brake light switch is involved, the scope widens fast. What it costs depends on which components need attention, how many axles are affected, and whether the rotors can be resurfaced or need full replacement. We don't quote before we look, and we don't replace parts that don't need replacing. Every job is different, contact Hamiltons Automotive for an accurate estimate.

Warning Signs

Symptoms That Mean Brake Work Now Now

Most brake problems announce themselves. Don't wait for them to get louder.

01

Grinding or Squealing

Squealing is a wear indicator touching the rotor. You've still got a window. Grinding means metal on metal and the rotor is already being scored. Drive on it longer and you're adding rotor replacement to the bill.

02

Soft or Spongy Pedal

If the pedal travels further than it used to before the brakes engage, air in the lines or a failing master cylinder is the likely cause. This isn't a 'it'll work itself out' situation.

03

Pulling to One Side

A caliper that's seized applies pressure on one side only. The car pulls toward whichever side is dragging. It also causes uneven pad wear that chews through new pads faster than you'd expect.

04

ABS Light On

An illuminated ABS light means the anti-lock system isn't guaranteed to function when you need it most. We run full diagnostic scans to pinpoint which sensor or module is the source before any parts get ordered.

05

Vibration Through the Pedal

Pulsation or shaking when you brake usually means warped rotors. Rotors warp from heat cycling, repeated hard braking without cool-down time is the most common cause. Sometimes they can be resurfaced. Sometimes they can't.

06

Burning Smell After Driving

If you're smelling something sharp after highway driving or a hill descent, a stuck caliper is overheating the pads. Pull over. Driving on an overheating brake isn't just expensive. It's dangerous.

What a Full Brake Service Covers

We don't swap pads and send you home. Here's what a complete brake job at Hamiltons actually includes.

  1. 01

    Brake Pad Replacement

    Front and rear pads replaced with parts that match your vehicle's spec. We don't cut corners on pad compound, cheap pads dust, squeal, and wear rotors faster.

  2. 02

    Rotor Inspection, Resurfacing, or Replacement

    Rotors get measured for minimum thickness. If they can be turned, we turn them. If they're below spec, they get replaced. We tell you which and why.

  3. 03

    Caliper Check and Service

    Stuck or seized calipers get flagged immediately. A caliper that won't release drags the pad against the rotor constantly, overheating the system and killing new pads in weeks.

  4. 04

    Brake Fluid Inspection

    Old, moisture-contaminated fluid lowers the boiling point of your hydraulic system. In a hard-stop situation, that matters. We check fluid condition every time.

Our Process

How Brake Repair Works at Hamiltons

  1. 01

    Call and Describe the Problem

    Tell us what you're hearing or feeling. Leo picks up. We'll tell you honestly whether it sounds urgent or whether you've got a few days.

  2. 02

    We Inspect Before We Quote

    We pull the wheels, check pad thickness, measure rotors, and test caliper function. You get a clear explanation of what's actually worn before we touch anything.

  3. 03

    We Fix What Needs Fixing

    We don't upsell you on four-wheel jobs when only the fronts are worn. If the rears are fine, we say so. If the whole system needs attention, we'll show you why.

Can You Drive on Bad Rotors?

Technically, yes. Safely, no. A rotor below minimum thickness can crack under hard braking. A severely scored rotor reduces clamping surface and extends stopping distance. Most people ask this question because they're hoping to buy a little time, and sometimes a few days is fine if the wear is early. But if you're hearing metal-on-metal grinding, the rotor is being destroyed every mile you drive, and the cost of waiting is a higher repair bill, not a lower one. Pair that with compromised suspension components and stopping distance gets worse in a hurry. If you're not sure where you stand, call 415-898-4842 and we'll tell you straight.
Hamilton's Automotive storefront and neon sign at 1032 First Street, Novato

Brake Work Alongside Related Services

Brakes don't wear in isolation. Here's what we often address at the same visit.

01

Wheel Alignment

Uneven brake wear is sometimes alignment-related, not just brake-related. If your car's been pulling before you even hit the pedal, wheel alignment gets checked at the same time.

02

Tire Rotation

If we've got the wheels off anyway, tire rotation takes minutes and evens out wear across all four corners. We'll flag it if it's due.

03

Suspension Inspection

Worn shocks and struts affect how weight transfers during braking. A vehicle with bad suspension takes longer to stop. That's physics, not an upsell.

Straight from Google

What Customers Say actually check

4.7111 verified Google reviews
My oil change light came on as I was driving to a client meeting in Novato. I stopped by Hamiltons Automotive after talking to Leo, the owner, on the phone. The team was helpful and even recommended a tire realignment. They got me out of there quickly and provided a great service.
Grayson PhillipsGrayson PhillipsSep 2026 · Google
This shop is the best I've ever been to. The owner Leo goes out of his way to give you the best price and quality service He's shown me that time and time again. If you want a good maintenance shop, and they also do smog checks, this is the place!! Hamilton's Automotive. I'm with them for life!!
Sanford SkolnickSanford SkolnickDec 2025 · Google
Hamilton Automotive is FAMILIA! SO GLAD I found this place. Hamilton Familia has been taking care of all my autos exclusively for 6yrs, 2 Toyotas, 2 Fords a Hyundai SF, and an Audi. They get you on the road and keep you there, call with estimate, go over your service, service the whole car, keep up on regular maintenence. I'm singing their praises when I drive. After my last repair car had sensation it was going to take off flying, I thought, I guess it's running pretty good. Take a chance on Hamilton you'll keep coming back. Big Thank You to everyone there.
Jordan JumpshotJordan JumpshotJul 2026 · Google
Outstanding services the staff was friendly honest and very professional from start to finish they quickly diagnosed the issue with my vehicle explained everything clearly and completed the repair on time at a fair price my car is running perfectly now its hard to find a trustworthy mechanic but this shop definitely earned my trust i highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality automotive services
Rami CifuentesRami CifuentesAug 2026 · Google
Very affordable and nice and great service. They fixed à seal and new tires too for a very cheap price and they are fast and gave me a ride home! Loved it
Laura Sheehan BarronLaura Sheehan BarronFeb 2026 · Google
Read all 111 reviews

Hearing Something You Don't Like?

Call before it gets worse.

Call (415) 898-4842 Call to Schedule, 415-898-4842

Frequently asked questions

How much does brake repair cost?
It depends on what's actually worn. A front pad replacement is a very different job from a four-wheel brake service with rotor replacement and caliper work. The condition of your rotors, whether calipers are sticking, and whether the brake booster or ABS components are involved all affect the total. We don't quote before we inspect. Every job is different, contact Hamiltons Automotive for an accurate estimate.
Can I still drive if my rotors are bad?
Depends on how bad. Early rotor wear with grooves or mild scoring. You might have some time, but every mile is making it worse. A rotor that's at or below minimum thickness can crack under hard braking and shouldn't be on the road. If you're hearing metal-on-metal grinding, the rotor is being damaged every mile. Don't wait on that one.
What's the difference between brake pad replacement and a full brake job?
Pad replacement is exactly that, new friction material on the existing hardware. A full brake job includes pads, rotor resurfacing or replacement, caliper inspection, and brake fluid check. On most vehicles with more than 60,000 miles, the rotors need to be addressed at the same time as the pads, skipping that step just means you're back in the shop sooner.
Why is my ABS light on after a brake job?
An ABS light after brake work usually points to a wheel speed sensor that was disturbed during the job, a sensor that was already failing and is now showing up, or an ABS module issue. It's not always related to the brake work itself. We run full diagnostic scans to pull the specific fault code rather than guessing. That's the only way to know which sensor or module is the actual source.
How do I know if my brake booster needs repair?
A failing brake booster typically makes the pedal feel heavy and hard. You have to push significantly harder than normal to get the same stopping force. Some drivers describe it as the pedal feeling like it's pushing back. You might also hear a hissing sound under the dashboard when you press the brake. It's a safety-critical component and not something to ignore, stopping distance increases noticeably when the booster isn't functioning.
Do you handle brake light switch repair?
Yes. A faulty brake light switch is worth fixing fast. Not just because brake lights are a legal requirement, but because some vehicles use the brake switch signal for cruise control, push-button start, and even transmission functions. It's usually a straightforward replacement once we've confirmed the switch is the source and not a wiring or fuse issue upstream.

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