Table of contents: Checking the brakes 🠇 Checking the brake system for leaks 🠇 Checking brake pads 🠇
Checking the brakes
It is recommended to choose a section of the road without heavy traffic or a parking lot where there is no traffic.
15. Brake several times with different force applied to the brake pedal. If the car "pulls" to the right, then the action of the brake mechanism of the left front or rear wheel is weakened. A long braking distance, uneven on both sides, indicates uneven action of the brake mechanisms.
16. Release the steering wheel and brake, keeping your hands ready. This way you can check that the steering wheel does not turn to the side when braking and the car does not "pull away".
17. Check the parking brake by placing the vehicle on a slope.
Due to the wear of the brake linings, the stroke of the parking brake lever gradually increases. If braking of the rear wheels is not ensured when the parking brake lever is tightened to the 4th or 5th tooth of the sector, the parking brake must be adjusted. In this case, the braking of the rear wheels must be checked on a raised vehicle. The procedure for adjusting the parking brake is specified in the relevant chapter.
The most accurate result of the condition of the braking system can be obtained by testing it on a stand, which is recommended.
Checking the brake system for leaks
18. Check the condition of the brake pipes and hoses. They should not be rusty, bent or pinched. Wet black dirt on the connecting joints indicates a brake fluid leak. The brake hoses should not have traces of wear or be swollen and cracked.
Wet black dirt on the calipers, bleed nipples and the connecting joint of the brake hose indicates a brake fluid leak.
19. Make sure the bleed nipples are covered with dust caps.
20. Check the brake system. To do this, press the brake pedal with sufficient force and hold it in this position. The resistance to pressing the pedal should not decrease even after several minutes. Otherwise, you should find and eliminate the leak in the system or check the master brake cylinder, which may be faulty.
Checking brake pads
There is a warning light on the instrument panel that comes on when the brake pads wear down to the minimum acceptable value.
When installing new brake linings on the front wheel mechanisms, it is imperative to check the condition of the rear wheel brake pads.
21. Check the operation of the brake lights, as well as the functionality of the horn, reversing lights and parking lights.