The picnic DIY brake repair tasks don't demand machine diagnosis.
Do-it-yourself brake repair has been approximately on account of there were brakes. Nowadays's vehicles, though, acquire integrated brakes with pc sensors and parts. Some problems with braking systems desire the bag of personal computer diagnostic machines that compose the DIY repairs of these parts of the braking mechanism as well ball-buster. These personal computer systems combine the Anti-Lock Brake Systems and Modules. Inspect each part of the braking system to ensure that you are not just placing new parts on a faulty system to be destroyed. Use brake cleaner to keep grease and oil off of the pad and rotor surfaces. The slightest bit of grease on a rotor can cause the pads to fail to stop the vehicle.
1. Listen for squealing sounds when applying brakes. The brakes on a vehicle drudge approximative a vise-grip does on a spinning metal CD. The sound you hear is the sound of naked metal grinding against bare metal. Ordinarily, there is a brake pad that eases the friction of metal against metal using heat-resistant material. Continuous use of a brake pad will of course wear the pad down to the point of it needing to be replaced.
2. Test the brakes in a safe area. If there is a hesitation between the time you apply the brakes and the time the vehicle begins braking, there may be an issue with the brake fluid system or the vacuum system may have a leak.
3. Use the brakes to stop at a medium level of speed, 25 to 30 mph. If you feel the brakes losing power while continuously pressing them, you may have an issue with the disc or the pads. Failure of the discs or pads normally triggers the red brake warning light indicator. At times, a low brake-fluid level can lead to the pads and discs being worn prematurely.
Making the Repair
4. Check for leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid can leak from the seals, the master cylinder, or brake lines that move the fluid throughout the braking system. Leaks can occur when the line splits or the seals loosen. If the master cylinder is leaking, it is recommended to replace the brake lines at the same time the cylinder is repaired. Temporary measures involve using specialty brake fluid that seals leaks. Occasionally, this method works for an extended period of time.
5. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel before jacking up the vehicle. Jack up the car on a lift and remove the wheel. Block off the opposite wheels with wheel blocks. Remove the pins or bolts that hold the caliper on. Consult the vehicle schematic for your car to locate the caliper. Retract the piston from the pad, and look for signs of leaked brake fluid. The pad condition can be observed through the opening in the caliper.
6. Examine the pads, the rotor and the caliper. If the pad is too thin, the wear-indicator will be visible and will be missing the top portion of the pyramid or other symbol that lets you know the pad needs to be replaced. If the rotor has been damaged because the pad is too worn, you will need to remove it and resurface the rotor so it is smooth and won't damage new brake pads. If the pads are unevenly worn, the problem is the caliper, which will need to be replaced.
7. Replace related parts, if needed. A brake fluid leak will eventually wear out the caliper and could interfere with the braking pads. If one element of the vehicle braking system fails, it may cause subsequent elements to fail and cause even more damage to the vehicle. DIY exertion that can much be done involves fluid hoses and reservoirs, brake pads, liners and calipers.
