Brake fluid
Brake fluid should be replaced once every two years. The procedure for filling the brake fluid and bleeding the brake system is given in the relevant chapter.
The brake fluid expansion tank is located above the master cylinder near the engine compartment bulkhead. The reservoir is made of transparent material and the brake fluid level can be checked quite easily and quickly. The brake fluid level should be near the MAX mark. To top up the fluid in the reservoir, remove the cap and add fluid.
If you have to top up the fluid frequently and the low level is indicated by a light on the instrument panel, the cause may be worn brake pads. Typically, the brake pads on the front wheels wear out.
Brake fluid is a mixture of ethylene glycol, polyether oxyethylene and some other components. This colorless or yellowish liquid is poisonous and also aggressive towards paintwork. It does not affect metal or rubber parts and maintains sufficient fluidity even at -40°C. Its boiling point is also quite high – approximately 290°C.
However, brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, which simultaneously lowers its boiling point. At a moisture content of 2.5%, its boiling point is only 150°C. This is quite dangerous, considering the brakes are subject to significant stress. In such cases, moisture evaporates, forming air locks in the hoses and lines of the brake system. In such cases, the brake pedal fails and the brakes do not work. In this case, the only way out is to repeatedly press the brake pedal (pumping).
Brake pads and discs
1. Jack up the car and remove the corresponding wheel.
2. Remove the disc brake caliper and, without disconnecting the brake hose, secure it to the body.
3. Inspect the brake pads and brake disc for wear, damage and deformation, measure their remaining thickness, and check the brake disc for runout if necessary. Replace the relevant parts if necessary.
Caution! If the front wheel brake makes noise when braking, check the brake shoe lining. If there are signs of wear, the brake pads on the left and right wheels should be replaced with new ones.
The brake pads on the front wheels wear out faster and should therefore be checked more often than the rear ones. There is a warning light on the instrument panel that comes on when the brake pads have worn down to the minimum acceptable level.
When installing new brake linings on the front wheel mechanisms, it is imperative to check the condition of the rear wheel brake pads.
4. Check the parking brake.
Due to wear of the brake linings, the travel 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, then the brake should be adjusted. In this case, checking the braking of the rear wheels should be performed with the vehicle jacked up. The procedure for adjusting the parking brake is given in the relevant chapter.
The most accurate result of the brake system condition can be obtained by testing it on a stand, which is recommended.
Brake lines and hoses
Caution! Inspect brake lines and hoses in good lighting and using a mirror.
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5. Check the condition and tightness of the brake pipes and hoses, as well as their fastening. The brake system lines must not have any kinks, dents or breaks. They should not have any corrosion pits or worn areas. Otherwise, the pipeline up to the next joint should be replaced with a new one.
6. Identify the damaged areas by bending the brake hoses. The hoses must not be twisted.
7. Check the tightness of all brake hose clamps and ensure that the hoses are kept away from sharp or rotating parts. Brake hoses connect the lines to the wheel brake cylinders and are routed near the moving parts of the vehicle. They are made of material that can withstand high pressure, but over time they can become porous, swell, or be cut by sharp objects. If at least one of the above mentioned defects is present, the brake hose must be replaced.
Caution! Be sure to bleed the brake system after replacing brake hoses and lines.
8. Check the operation of the brake lights.