The main signs of malfunction are the following:
- the car pulls to one side during heavy braking;
- increased braking distance;
- loud squealing noise when braking;
- brake fluid leaks, usually onto the inside of a tire or wheel.
Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.
Raise the vehicle with a jack or lift.
Remove the bolts and remove the wheel.
Disc brakes
Experience shows that the front brake pads on the passenger side wear out faster, so the brake pads on the right front wheel should be checked.
Loosen the right front wheel bolts and apply the parking brake, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands. Remove the right front wheel.
Disc brakes have two pads in each caliper. The internal brake pads are visible through inspection windows in each caliper. The outer brake pads are visible on the side of the caliper. Visually determine the thickness of the brake pads.
If the thickness of the brake pads is difficult to visually determine or if there is a suspicion that the pads are in poor condition, remove them for further inspection. If the brake pad lining is worn to a thickness of 1 mm, all four brake pads in a set must be replaced.
Use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the brake disc. If it is less than the maximum allowable value, replace the disk. Check the condition of the brake disc for cracks and scuffs.
Before installing the wheel, check the condition of the brake hoses and tubes.
Check the condition of the ABS sensor rotor. If damage is detected, the hub/rotor assembly must be removed for maintenance.
Install the wheel and lower the vehicle.
Rear drum brakes
Place the vehicle on a firm, level surface.
Place chocks under the front wheels.
Loosen the rear wheel mounting bolts, raise the rear of the car and secure it on stands. Remove the rear wheels.
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Remove the rear brake drums/hubs.
Warning! Brake pads generate brake dust, which contains asbestos, which is harmful to health. Do not use compressed air or inhale the dust when cleaning brake pads.
Warning: Use only a special brake cleaner to clean brakes.
Use a caliper to measure the thickness of the rear brake pads. If the brake pad linings are 1.0 mm above the rivet heads, the brake pads are suitable for further use, otherwise replace all four brake pads as a set. Brake pads must be replaced if the pad linings are cracked, licked, or contaminated with brake fluid.
Check the condition of the rear brake return and holding springs.
Remove the protective boots from the wheel brake cylinders and check for any brake fluid leaks. If brake fluid is found under the protective boots, replace the wheel cylinders.
Check the condition of the brake drums for cracks, scratches, deep grooves and burns. If the defects cannot be corrected, replace the brake drums.
Install the brake drums.
Install the wheels and lower the vehicle.
Parking brake
Slowly tighten the parking brake with a force of 10 kg, the lever should rise by 6-8 clicks. Otherwise, adjust the parking brake.
Place the vehicle on a slope, apply the parking brake, and move the gear shift lever to neutral. If the parking brake holds the vehicle securely, it is working properly and is adjusted correctly.
Vacuum brake booster
The brake booster reduces the force applied to the brake pedal, thereby making the car easier to control. The operating principle of the vacuum brake booster is based on the use of vacuum in the intake manifold. If the vacuum booster fails, the performance of the brake system is not affected, but significantly more force must be applied to press the brake pedal.
Press the brake pedal several times with the engine off to create a uniform pressure in the vacuum booster cavities, close to atmospheric pressure. At the same time, by the force applied to the pedal, determine whether the valve body is jammed. Stop the brake pedal in the middle of its travel and start the engine. If the vacuum booster is working properly, the brake pedal should move forward after starting the engine. If the pedal does not move, check the hose tip fastening, the connection of the tip flange fastening in the booster, the condition of the hose and the fitting.