ALT-1 Diy Automotive Repair how to Service the Brakes
Servicing your vehicle's brake pads may seem to be a difficult proposition for most mechanical novices, but with a proper understanding of both how your vehicles braking system functions and the proper procedures to follow in replacing worn components even the most inexperienced person can maintain proper functioning brakes.
Most braking systems on modern vehicles are composed of two different types of braking components. The first is known as a brake pad. A brake pad is used to produce friction against a metal disc called a rotor. A brake pad is usually found on the front side of the vehicles braking system and produces around sixty percent of the vehicles stopping power. The second is known as a brake shoe. A brake shoe is used to produce friction against a brake drum. A brake drum is a bowl shaped piece of metal that houses the rear braking system in order to balance the vehicles braking demands.
Step 1: Remove the hubcap(s) found at the center of each tire in order to gain access the wheel's lug nuts.
Step 2: Use the vehicle lug wrench in order to loosen the lug nuts a half to one full turn.
Step 3: Place a floor jack under the frame or at a point specified by the vehicles owner's manual and lift the wheel from the ground. After the wheel is off the ground finish removing the now loose lug nuts from the wheel and remove the wheel from vehicle. Once the wheel is off place a floor jack under the vehicle along the frame.
Step 4: Open the vehicles hood and remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir. After the cap has been removed place a clean shop rag over the reservoir in order to catch any brake fluid that may escape the confines of the basin.
Step 5: Locate the bolts holding the brake pad housing to the vehicles axle. After locating them use either a torx, allen or socket to remove the bolts form the pad housing. Slide the brake housing out of its mount and flip it over setting it atop the housing mount.
Step 6: Remove the brake pad that is not clipped to the brake piston and insert a c-clamp over the brake housing. Slowly turn the clamp screw until the remaining brake pad contacts the piston housing. After the pad has made contact remove the clamp and old pad from the housing.
Step 7: Apply any chatter or sound repressing lubricants that may have come with the pads to the non-friction side of the pad and insert the new pads in the same place as the old pads were located. Once the new pads are installed flip the brake housing back over and slide it into its mount.
Step 8: Make sure the bolts that hold the brake housing to its mounts are free of rust or dirt. Apply any anti-friction lubricants that came with the new pads to the sliding surfaces of the bolts and reinstall them being sure to follow any recommended torque specifications found in the vehicles repair manual.
Step 9: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts according to the torque specifications and tightening pattern found in the repair manual. Failure to do so can result in damage to the wheel or having the wheel come off during travel.
Repeat the steps above for the opposite side front tire. After both front side pads have been replaced place the brake fluid reservoir and pump the vehicles brakes with the engine off.
Replacing the vehicle brake shoes is basically the same process as above but the brake shoes are held on with a series of springs instead of bolts.
Step 1: Remove a rear wheel following the same procedure above. Be sure to follow safe jacking and jack stand procedures.
Step 2: With the wheel removed slide the large metal drum from the axle and check the friction surfaces for any large scratches or grooves. If grooves are found the drums will need to be professionally ground, call a service center or auto parts store for advice.
Step 3: Remove the springs holding the brake pads to the axle housing and replace the old brake shoes with the new ones. Be sure to install the correct brake shoe to the proper location and all springs to the same mounts as found when you removed the drum.
Step 4: Reinstall the brake drum and the wheel. Tighten the lugs to the proper torque spec and repeat the procedure on the last remaining rear wheel.
After all brake pads and shoes have been replaced pump the brakes with the vehicles engine off until the brake pedal is firm. If this is not done the vehicle will not stop if you try to drive without first completing this task.
Repair books designed specifically for you vehicle can be found at any auto parts retailer and have very specific instructions with pictures detailing proper repair procedures and safety considerations. It is highly recommended you use one of these books for in-depth instructions.
