Bend the brake hose to reveal any damage
Use a caliper to measure the thickness of the front brake pad together with the metal base. It should be at least 7 mm
The thickness of the rear brake pad together with the metal base must be at least 7 mm
Warning: Dust from lining wear that collects on brake components may contain hazardous asbestos. Do not blow out this dust with compressed air or inhale it! Do not use gasoline-based solvents to remove dust. Dust should be washed with a special brake system cleaner or methylated spirits into a drain container. After wiping the brake components with a damp cloth, keep the cloth and the contents of the drain container in a closed and labeled container. In the future, try to use asbestos-free components whenever possible.
Warning: In addition to checking at specified intervals, the brake system should be checked whenever the wheels are removed or when the system shows signs of malfunction. The following brake system checks are the most important of all the vehicle maintenance procedures you will perform to ensure safe driving.
Signs of a problem with the brake system
1. Disc brakes may have built-in friction lining wear indicators that signal that the lining wear has reached a critical level. In this case, the linings should be replaced immediately, otherwise the brake discs will be damaged and will require expensive repairs.
2. Any of the following symptoms may indicate a potential brake system defect:
- a) When you press the brake pedal, the car "pulls" to one side
- b) The brakes make scraping or squealing sounds when braking
- c) The brake pedal has excessive travel
- d) The brake pedal pulsates (this is normal only when the ABS system is working)
- e) Brake fluid leaks are observed (usually on the inside of a tire or wheel).
3. If you notice any of these signs, have your brake system inspected immediately.
Brake lines and hoses
Warning: The brake system uses mostly steel brake lines, with the exception of flexible reinforced hoses at the front wheels and as connections at the rear axle. Regular inspection of all these lines is very important.
4. Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Remove the wheel caps. Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts on all four wheels.
5. Jack up the vehicle and support it securely on supports.
6. Remove the wheels.
7. Check all brake lines and hoses for cracks, abrasions in their outer coating, leaks, bulges and deformations. Check the brake hoses at the front and rear of the vehicle for signs of softening, cracks, deformations or wear due to friction with other components. Check all fittings for signs of leaks and make sure that all bolts and clamps on the brake hoses are securely fastened.
8. Bend the brake hose in both directions with your hands to detect damage. Do not twist the hoses. Follow the direction of the color line on the hose!
9. Turn the steering wheel to the right and left until it stops. The hoses should not touch the vehicle's structural elements.
10. If any fluid leaks or damage are detected, they should be repaired immediately.
Checking the thickness of brake pads
Warning: The thickness of the outer brake pads can be checked through the opening in the wheel rim using a flashlight. The inner pad can be checked using a flashlight and a mirror. If a more accurate assessment of the pad thickness is required, remove the wheel and measure the pad with a caliper.
Front disc brake
Warning: Experience shows that the brake pad wear on the front passenger side wheel is greater than that on the driver side. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the front passenger side wheel to check the brake pad thickness.
11. Mark the position of the front wheel in relation to the hub with paint. This will allow the balanced wheel to be installed in its working position. Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. The car must be on the ground. Raise the front of the car and place it on stands. Remove the front wheel.
12. Measure the pad thickness with a caliper and a metal lining on the inner and outer brake pads.
13. The wear limit of the front pad is considered to be 7 mm thick (with carrier plate). In this case, the brake pad must be replaced, refer to the subsection Replacing the front brake pads.
14. Install the front wheel so that the markings applied during removal match. The wheel mounting bolts are not lubricated. Install the wheel mounting bolts. Lower the vehicle onto the wheels and tighten the bolts crosswise to 120 N·m.
Warning: According to experience, 1 mm of brake pad wear corresponds to at least 1000 km of vehicle mileage. This rule corresponds to unfavorable vehicle operating conditions. Under normal conditions, pad wear is significantly less. With a pad thickness of 10.0 mm, the pad can still be used for at least 3000 km.
Rear wheel disc brake
15. Check the thickness of the outer brake pad through the opening in the wheel rim, using a flashlight if necessary. There is no need to remove the wheel rim. If there is a wheel cap, it must be removed.
16. Check the inner shoe using a lamp and a mirror.
17. The wear limit of the rear and front brake pads is considered to be 7 mm thick, including the base plate.
Parking brake
18. The simplest, and perhaps most obvious, way to test the parking brake is to park the vehicle on a steep hill with the brakes applied and the transmission in neutral (you must be in the car during the check). If the parking brake does not prevent the vehicle from rolling, it should be adjusted.