Brakes
The Importance of Brakes
Your brakes must be in perfect condition to truly guarantee your safety and because the Motor Vehicle Code requires it.
Brake wear: signs, causes and solutions
The pedal is hard, requiring extra effort to apply the brakes
Possible causes:
- Problem with the power brake system
- Worn lining or pads
- Jammed caliper or wheel cylinder in the case of drum brakes
- Brake fluid on the lining or pads
Solutions:
- Replacement of the entire power brake system
- Inspection of the lining and pads prior to replacing them, if necessary
- Inspection of the calipers or wheel cylinders and repairing or replacing them, if necessary
- After locating the leak, repairing it and replacing the affected lining or pads
The front brakes are grinding
Possible causes:
The front brake pads are worn metal to metal
Solutions:
Replacement of the discs and pads
The pedal gives way to easily
Possible causes:
- Hydraulic fluid leak between the first and second bodies of the master cylinder (rare)
- Air bubble in the hydraulic system (rare)
Solutions:
- Emergency replacement of the master cylinder after identifying the leak
- Draining the hydraulic system
The vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Possible causes:
- Uneven wear of the pads or lining
- Jammed caliper or wheel cylinder
- Brake fluid on the lining or pads
Solutions:
- Inspection and replacement of the pads or lining, if necessary
- Inspection of the calipers or wheel cylinders and repairing or replacing them, if necessary
- After locating the leak, repairing it and replacing the affected lining or pads
The pedal vibrates or shakes
Possible causes:
- Defective disc or drum
Solutions:
- Inspection and repair or replacement of the disc or drum, if necessary
Regular Inspection of your Brake System
Here’s a reminder of the inspections to perform:
- BRAKE FLUID: check it every 10,000km
- BRAKE DISCS: check it every 20,000km
- FRONT BRAKE PADS: replace them every 30,000km
- REAR BRAKE PADS: replace them every 30,000km
- DRUM BRAKE LINING: check it every 60,000km
- BRAKE CIRCUIT: drain it every 2yrs. or 60,000km