- the car pulls to the side when you press the brake pedal;
- the creak of brakes is heard;
- excessive free travel of the brake pedal;
- pulsation of the brake pedal;
- brake fluid leak, etc.
Disc brakes
1. Check the thickness of the brake pads through the hole in the caliper (indicated by arrows).
2. To accurately check the thickness of the brake linings and their condition, remove the brake calipers and brake linings. Clean the linings and check the thickness and condition of the friction material.
3. Measure the brake disc thickness with a micrometer. Inspect the disc surface for deep scratches or grooves.
4. Check all brake pipes and hoses for damage or wear. Check the reliability of fastenings and connections.
Rear drum brakes
1. To check the thickness of the friction material of the brake pads without removing the brake drum, remove the rubber plug (arrow) and inspect the pads.
2. For a more thorough check, unscrew the two fixing screws in the center of the brake drum and remove the drum.
3. Clean the brake mechanism with a brake cleaner.
4. Measure the thickness of the friction material of the brake pads. If the material height above the rivet heads is less than 1.5 mm, the pads must be replaced.
5. Check the condition of the brake springs. Inspect the wheel cylinder for signs of leakage. Check the integrity of the cylinder covers. Check brake lines and connections.
6. Inspect the inside of the brake drum for cracks, deep scratches and signs of wear.
Vacuum brake booster
1. Depress the brake pedal and start the engine - the pedal should go down a little.
2. With the engine running, depress the brake pedal several times - the brake pedal stroke should not change.
3. Depress the brake pedal, stop the engine and hold the pedal depressed for 30 seconds - the pedal should not go down.
4. Start the engine, let it run for a few minutes and stop the engine. Depress the brake pedal several times - the pedal travel should decrease with each press.
5. If the brake pedal behaved differently, then the vacuum booster is defective and must be replaced.
Hand brake
1. Count the number of clicks needed to securely apply the handbrake. Adjust the handbrake mechanism if necessary.
2. Check that the handbrake can hold the vehicle on a steep slope.
3. Depress the brake pedal, stop the engine and hold the pedal depressed for 30 seconds - the pedal should not go down.
4. Start the engine, let it run for a few minutes and stop the engine. Depress the brake pedal several times - the pedal travel should decrease with each press.
5. If the brake pedal behaved differently, then the vacuum booster is defective and must be replaced.