Brake Repair Tips

General Brake Repair Tips:

• Use a torque wrench when tightening any nut or bolt whenever possible. Always following the manufacturer's torque ratings.

• Use penetrate spray on any screws or bolts that are difficult to remove. Avoid spraying the brake pads and rotor which will leave a residue on the friction surfaces that will have to be removed with brake cleaner spray.

• Always give yourself plenty of time to get the job completed. Do you always have SOMETHING go wrong during each repair job? Plan ahead and add extra time to how fast you think you can get the job done.

• Gather all the parts, tool and supplies that you will be using. Visualize each step in process and what tools you will use. You might find out that you need to make a trip to the store before you can start.

• Always replace pads for both sides of the vehicle at the same time.

• The brake hose does not need to be removed to change the brake pads. If the hoses are removed, air is introduced into the brake system which will have to be bled out.

• Don’t add any brake fluid if the level looks low until the pads have been changed. As the pads wear, the fluid level drops. When new pads are installed the caliper piston must be retracted so that the caliper can be reinstalled, the fluid level will rise back up. Check the brake fluid level after the brake repair is completed and add more if needed.

• Check brake hose for interference after installation with the tires, body and other suspension parts with the vehicle in the air and on the ground. If necessary, turn the wheel lock-to-lock to check for rubbing.

• Be careful with brake fluid dripping from the brake hose and hard line. Catch the fluid with a pan or newspaper. Use brake cleaner to remove any brake fluid spilled on the brake rotor and pads. Wash off brake fluid if spilled on paint with water.

• If you buy new hoses, make sure they include new copper crush washers (for fittings with banjo bolts). If they don’t, you will need to purchase them separately. Copper washers should not be reused.

• Check your owners manual for the correct brake fluid type for your vehicle. Read more about brake fluid.

• Clean any brake fluid that might have dripped on the brake rotor or pads with brake cleaner.

• Use caution when loosening and tightening the bleeder screw. Often they are “frozen” in the caliper or wheel cylinder and it doesn’t take much effort to strip or break them. Use a penetrating spray to loosen any frozen bleeder screws.

• Use anti-seize on the bleeder screw to make them easier to remove in the future.

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