Every 16,000 km or 12 months.
Note: More detailed illustrations of the braking system are provided in Chapter 9.
1. The procedures described in this section should be performed in accordance with the maintenance schedule or whenever you suspect that there is a fault in the system. The following symptoms may indicate a fault in the brake system:
- a) When you press the brake pedal, the car pulls to one side.
- b) Grinding noise when the brakes are applied.
- c) Excessive brake pedal travel.
- d) The need to frequently top up the brake fluid. Keep in mind that in transmissions with a hydraulic clutch drive (see Chapter 6) this problem may be caused by a leak in the clutch drive.
Front disc brakes
2. Apply the parking brake. 2 Apply the parking brake and loosen the front wheel nuts. Raise the front end and place it on supports.
3. To improve access to the brake calipers, remove the wheels.
4. Looking through the inspection hole of the caliper, make sure that the thickness of the friction material of the lining of each pad does not reach the regulated minimum specified in the specification (see Fig. 19.4).
Note: Please note that the overlay material is usually bonded to the metal base.
5. If you have difficulty determining the exact thickness of the pads, or if you are unsure whether the pads are in good condition, remove the caliper for further inspection (see Chapter 9).
6. Check the other brake caliper in the same way.
7. If any of the brake pads are worn to or beyond the limit (see Technical Data), all four pads on that axle of the vehicle must be replaced as a set (i.e. all front or all rear pads).
8. Measure the thickness of the discs with a micrometer (if available) to ensure that the discs have not exhausted their service life (see Fig. 19.8). If any of the discs is thinner than specified (minimum thickness in the Technical Data), replace it (see Chapter 9). At the same time, you should always check the general condition of the disc. Inspect each disc for scratches and discoloration caused by overheating. If such signs are found, replace the corresponding disc or have it reground (Chapter 9).
9. Before installing the wheels, check all brake lines and hoses (Chapter 9). In particular, inspect the flexible hoses in the areas near the calipers, where the hoses are most mobile. Squeeze the hoses with your fingers (but do not fold them twice, so as not to damage them), check for cracks, cuts that would not be visible otherwise (see Fig. 19.9).
10. Finally, reinstall the wheels, lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel nuts completely.
Rear disc brakes
11. Loosen the rear wheel nuts, then support the front wheels with wedges. Raise the rear and place it on supports. Remove the rear wheels.
12. The procedure for checking the rear disc brakes is performed as specified in paragraphs 2... 10.
Rear drum brakes
13. Loosen the rear wheel nuts. Support the front wheels with wedges, lift the rear and place it on supports. Remove the rear wheels.
14. To check the thickness of the brake shoe linings without removing the brake drums, remove the rubber plugs from the rear shields and inspect the linings of the sliding brake shoes using a flashlight (see Fig. 19.14). Make sure that the thickness of the lining material does not reach the minimum specified in the Technical Data.
15. If you have difficulty accurately determining the thickness of the linings or if you are unsure of the condition of the pads, remove the brake drums for subsequent inspection (Chapter 9).
16. After removing the drums, check that the shoe return springs and pressure springs are installed correctly and that there are no brake fluid leaks from the wheel brake cylinders. Check the friction surface of each brake drum for scratches and discoloration. If such signs are found, the drum must be replaced or its friction surface must be treated.
17. Before installing the wheels, check all brake lines and hoses (Chapter 9). Finally, apply the parking brake and make sure that the rear wheels are locked. The parking brake is self-adjusting and does not require manual adjustment.
18. Install the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque.