Brake System Checklist
Brake Pedal and
Master Cylinder:
Check brake pedal
for free play. Check the total pedal travel.
There should be ample pedal travel remaining with the brakes applied full. The
pedal should be firm with no spongy feeling that could indicate air in the
system. The pedal when firmly applied
must remain at one point and not slowly move towards the floor. Pedal
action should be smooth and quiet.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If equipped with
power brakes, exhaust the vacuum reservoir (engine off) by repeated brake
applications. Hold the brake pedal down firmly while starting the engine. As
soon as the engine starts, the brake pedal will move downward if the vacuum
booster is functioning. Check for sign of leakage.
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH:
Check switches operation by inspecting lights while brake is
being applied. Lights should come on quickly, even with very little brake
pressure.
WHEEL CYLINDERS AND BRAKE SHOE ASSEMBLIES:
A periodic inspection generally involves pulling a
wheel and drum. If any trouble is indicated (brake lining wear, fluid leakage,
part scoring) all wheels should be removed.
Check the cylinders for leakage by pulling back the lip of
the dust boots. Any fluid, other than normal dampness, in the boot, indicates a
leak. The shoe lining should have ample wear remaining and should be free of
oil or grease. Inspect retracting springs, shoe hold-downs, automatic adjusting
device, and shoe contact pads on the backing plate. Backing plate and shoe
anchors must be tight.
BRAKE DRUMS:
Check brake drums for out-of-round or tapered
condition, Drum must be free of scoring, cracking, grease or oil.
DISC BRAKES:
Check brake pads for wear. Check rotor or disc for scoring,
cracking, uneven wear, or warping. Caliper pistons should show no signs of
leakage. Brake caliper saddles should move freely and e clear of dirt and debris
and should be lubricated yearly
SEALS:
Oil and grease seals must be in good condition with no
visible signs of leakage.
PARKING BRAKE:
The parking brake should hold the car securely, when the
brake is firmly applied, there must still be ample travel remaining. Check for
missing cotter pins, frayed cables, rust, or other parts.
BRAKE LINES AND HOSES:
Inspect all hoses for cracking, softening, or swelling. Check
lines for leakage, damage from contact with moving parts, and vibration.
CHASSIS:
The brake inspection must also include a check for loose
wheel bearings, worn ball joints, worn steering parts, defective shock
absorbers, and sagging springs. These parts can affect braking action.
ROAD TEST:
Following
the above checks, drive the car to test brake action. The car should stop
quickly and smoothly. There must be no tendency to dive or pull to one side or
the other. Inspection points for a typical brake system are illustrated in Fig.
1
(1=Everything OK, 2=Required within 6
months, 3=Required Immediately)
