How to Service Brakes

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Your automobile's brake system may be one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. The braking system functions by applying friction to the wheels. This is accomplished with hydraulics. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, the master cylinder forces brake fluid via the brake lines into the wheel cylinders. This activates the brake pads, which rub against the rotor, and this slows your automobile down. Checking the parts of your brakes, such as the rotors, brake pads and brake fluid regularly and servicing them every 6 months will ensure that they function properly so that your car stops when you want it to.

Steps

1. 1
   Obtain a repair manual for your vehicle. When servicing brakes, the repair manual will provide detailed instructions on how to access your vehicle's braking system.

   
   
2. 2
   Check the level of the brake fluid. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that applies the force necessary to stop your vehicle. The brake fluid tank is underneath the hood beside the master cylinder.
   • Wipe off the top of the master cylinder with a clean shop rag before you open the brake fluid tank. When checking your automotive brake structure, you don't want dirt to get into the brake fluid.
   • Remove the brake fluid dipstick and dry it off with a clean rag. Reinsert the dipstick, and pull it out to read the level of the fluid on the stick.
   • If the level is below the fill line, remove the brake fluid tank cap and add more brake fluid. When servicing brakes, be careful not to overfill the brake fluid tank.
3. 3
   Inspect the rubber brake lines. The brake lines go from each individual tire to the master cylinder. The rubber brake lines are like the arteries of your brake system. Replace leaky or damaged lines.
4. 4
   Remove the tires.
   • Remove the hubcaps from all 4 tires.
   • Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. When servicing brakes, you want to loosen the lug nuts while the wheels are on the ground so that the wheels won't spin.
   • If you have a car lift, jack up your car. Otherwise, position the jack so you can remove 1 tire at a time.
   • Use your lug wrench to remove lug nuts and then take the tire off.
5. 5
   Examine the brake pads. Automotive brake pads are usually constructed from material that will withstand extreme pressure and heat. When you press down on the brake pedal, the brake pads engage the rotor, which creates heat and friction.
   • Brake pads take most of the pressure, and will need to be replaced periodically.
   • Replace brake pads that have worn thin or unevenly, show signs of glazing, or have cracks when servicing brakes.
   • Apply anti-squeak mix on the back of your brake pads.
6. 6
   Inspect each rotor. Automotive brake rotors are usually made with cast iron, which dispels heat. Rotors spin with the wheel, and are set between the spindle and wheel.
   • Rotors can become warped from being tightened improperly or from being exposed to too much heat.
   • Replace or have a certified mechanic resurface, or turn, warped rotors. When servicing brakes, it is sometimes possible to resurface the rotor, which may cost less than purchasing a new one.
7. 7
   Reinstall all 4 tires.
   • Apply anti-seize compound on the threads of all your bolts and lug nuts.
   • Use a torque wrench to apply the manufacturer's recommended amount of pressure when you reinstall the lug nuts.
   • Reinstall hubcaps.

   
   

Tips

• To optimize your automobiles brakes, remember that your tires, suspension and driving strategies are an integral part of the braking system.
• Applying pressure to your brakes all the time, or riding your brakes, could cause your brakes to overheat. It's better to slow down and apply even pressure on the brake pedal.
• On steep hills, try downshifting instead of riding your brakes. Downshifting shifts some of the work away from the brakes and to the engine.

Things You'll Need

• Repair manual for your vehicle
• Shop rags
• Brake fluid
• Lug wrench
• Car lift or jack
• Anti-squeak mix
• Anti-seize compound
• Torque wrench

sources and citations

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