Servicing brakes

Disc brakes

If the brake pads need replacing, loosen the sliding bolts and remove the bottom one. Then lift the caliper up  and the pads will be able to slide out. The brake pads can be measured to see if they can be used again. Use a DTI gauge to check if the rotor is warped or not. If the rotor is worn then the inside and outside of it should be measured with a micrometer, the measurements should be compared to specifications. If it is worn and with in the specified thickness then it can be machined if it is not or if it is warped then it will need to be replaced. Once the rotors have been replaced the new brake pads can be replaced. The new brake pads obviously have more lining than the old ones so the slave/caliper pistons need to pushed back this can be done with a G clamp or by clamping the brake hose and opening the nippple so that it can be pushed back by hand. Before the pads are fitted make sure they are correct and remember to replace any shims and anti squeal plates. An anti squeal spray may also be sprayed onto the back of the pads. Once every thing has been put back into place the caliper and sliding bolts should be torqued to the correct setting.

If one of the rotors in the front is warped the driver will feel it in the steering  wheel  if one in the back is warped the whole car will vibrate.

Drum brakes


To remove drum brakes make sure that the cars handbrake is off. Then either hit it with a brass hammer or put two bolts in and turn them until the drum comes off. Once it has been opened check under the dust seals to see if the pistons are leaking then clean it with brake cleaner or water to get rid of the brake dust. Then using a screw driver  to move the pads from side to side to make sure that the pistons that activate the brakes are not jammed. Then measure the thickness of the brake shoes and check the inside of the drum. If the drum is worn inside it will need to be machined. Before getting it machine measure the inside diameter of the drum and check it with the specifications. Once the all the checks have been done and it has been repaired if necessary the brakes need to be adjusted by turning the nut on the spreader until the brakes are in the right position. the last thing to do is to adjust the handbrake cable.