Your cars brakes is the most important item on your car, yet most car owners do not give them much attention and will wait until there is a major problem before they will fix the problem.
The brake fluid reservoirs lid should seal properly and must be replaced immediately when cracked as dirt or moisture that enters the reservoir will cause rapid wear to the rubber seals and moving parts in the brake system.
When topping up the reservoir care must be taken to use only clean brake fluid of the highest rating and quality for your cars brakes. The brake fluid in the reservoir and brake system should be replaced at least every 24 months as this will extend the service life of all the rubber seals and moving parts of the brake system.
The front discs, brake calipers and disc pads should be checked regularly at 6000 mile intervals for brake fluid leaks wear and sticky pistons. Floating brake calipers should also be checked for ease of movement and the front wheel bearings should be adjusted if necessary.
Check the brake master cylinder dust cover for signs of brake fluid leakage (Where the push rod of the brake pedal enters the brake master cylinder) if you see signs of brake fluid leaking out of the dust cover, the brake master cylinder will have to be overhauled.
On dual piston brake master cylinders it is possible that the inner pistons rubber seals can leak internally. To check if the brake master cylinder and other parts are leaking, apply the foot brake and keep your foot on the brake pedal for a minimum of 60 seconds.
If there is a leak in the brake system the brake pedal will lose resistance and move to the floor board. If there are leaks at one or both rear brake drum wheel cylinders or the brake lines, brake fluid will be seen dripping on the ground.
Applying the brakes while driving, the car pulls to one side, there is grease or brake fluid on the disc pads of the opposite front wheels disc pads. The leak must be repaired and the disc pads replaced.
If the brake pedal pulsates under your foot when braking, the front discs must be skimmed; this must be done on the car without removing the discs. After the discs have been skimmed, new disc pads must be fitted.
If you service your cars brakes regularly they will not let you down in an emergency situation.
Pieter le Roux, a 40 year veteran used car mechanic will take you by the hand and show you his proven methodof evaluating used cars. Using the “Used Car Guide” that he is the author of, will save you money and keep you from buying a “Lemon.” Visit his blog and print your
free copy. http://no-more-lemons.blogspot.com
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