Main faults of the brake system (Escort 4)

CAUSE	METHOD OF ELIMINATION
Increased brake pedal travel
Brake fluid leaking from the wheel cylinders of the brake mechanisms, with oil stains observed on the calipers or brake drums
Wear of brake pads and insufficient travel of brake mechanisms	They can be eliminated by replacing the pads and cleaning the brake mechanism
Failure of one brake circuit is determined by the presence of brake fluid leaks
Automatic brake pad clearance adjustment device does not work
The working surfaces of the brake discs or drums are heavily contaminated, corroded or worn out	It is necessary to thoroughly clean the brake discs or drums or replace them
Insufficient braking efficiency
Oiling of brake pad linings	It is eliminated by washing and drying the pads
Seizure of pistons in wheel cylinders	It is eliminated by disassembling the cylinders and replacing the damaged parts or the entire cylinder assembly
Overheating of brake mechanisms during frequent and prolonged braking	In this case, you must stop immediately and cool the brakes
Damage to the sealing rings in the master brake cylinder	It is eliminated by replacing the sealing rings or the cylinder itself
Incorrect brake pads are used
The brake booster is faulty
The brake pedal sinks and springs
Air in the brake system or low fluid level in the reservoir	It is eliminated by adding fluid and removing air from the brake system
Formation of vapor locks in overheated brake fluid due to too high a water content in the brake fluid	It can be fixed by replacing the brake fluid
Incomplete release of braking of all wheels
No free travel of the brake pedal	A jammed vacuum booster valve requires replacement of the vacuum booster
Swelling of the master cylinder sealing rings	It is eliminated by replacing the rings
Uneven brake application
Uneven tire pressure	Eliminated by inflating cold tires
Uneven wear of tires on one axle	Eliminated by installing equally worn tires on one axle
Oiling of brake pad linings	It is eliminated by washing and drying the pads
Seizure of pistons in wheel cylinders	It is eliminated by disassembling the cylinders and replacing the damaged parts or the entire cylinder assembly
Braking of one of the wheels with the pedal released
Broken or weakened rear brake shoe tension spring	It can be fixed by replacing the spring
Piston jamming in wheel cylinder	Repair the wheel cylinder or replace it
Violation of the position of the caliper relative to the brake disc when loosening the mounting bolts	Eliminated by tightening the bolts
Car skidding or pulling away when braking
Piston jamming in wheel cylinder	Repair the wheel cylinder or replace it
Contamination or oiling of discs, drums and pads	Eliminated by thorough cleaning of brake parts
Front wheel alignment angles incorrect	It can be eliminated by adjustment
Different tire pressures	Eliminated by inflating cold tires
Squeaking or vibration of wheel brakes
Broken or weakened rear brake shoe tension spring	It can be fixed by replacing the spring
Ovality of brake drums	It can be eliminated by boring or replacing the drums
Oiling of brake pad linings	It is eliminated by washing and drying the pads
Brake pad wear	Complete replacement of brake pads is required
Excessive brake disc runout or uneven wear	It can be eliminated by regrinding or replacing the disc

This article is available at russian, bulgarian, belarusian, ukrainian, serbian, croatian, romanian, polish, slovak, hungarian

Article reviewed: Herman Ostrovsky

« Previous articles
Maintenance of the brake system
Anti-lock braking system — design description
Replacing the parking brake cables
Adjusting the parking brake
Bleeding the brake system

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