January 29, 2010, Newsletter Issue #170: The Complete Brake Job

Tip of the Week

As the saying goes, you have a lot riding on your brakes. That's why you should make sure that your next brake job covers the entire braking system from the master cylinder to the calipers and wheel cylinders. Here's what you do:

-Check the level and condition of the brake fluid. Changing the fluid is recommended to get rid of moisture contamination
-Bleed all the brake lines to remove trapped air -Inspect the entire system for leaks (hoses, lines, wheel cylinders, calipers and master cylinder)
-Inspect all the mechanical and hydraulic components in both the front and rear brakes (calipers, caliper hardware, wheel cylinder, drum hardware and parking brake)
-Replace the front and rear linings (if necessary)
-Inspect and resurface or replace rotors and drums as needed
-Inspect wheel bearings (repacking on older vehicles)
-Lubricate all critical areas such as caliper slides and shoe pads with moly-based high temperature brake grease
-Check and adjust the parking brake
-Check the ABS system (no warning light or trouble codes)
-Make sure the pedal is firm and the brakes operate properly, quietly and provide safe stopping power once the job is complete.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Auto Accessories Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Joe Wallace