Brake System Inspection: Notes

MATERIAL

Item	Specification
Metal Brake Parts Cleaner PM-4-A or PM-4-B (US); CPM-4 (Canada)	-

Brake Pads

NOTE: It is not required to install new brake pads when the brake discs are machined.

1.

Inspect the brake pad friction material for contamination.
- 1.
  
  If the friction material shows evidence of contamination, install new brake pads. REFER to Front Disc Brake - 432 mm (17 in) Brakes or REFER to Front Disc Brake - 457 mm (18 in) Brakes for the front brake pads or REFER to Rear Disc Brake for the rear brake pads.

2.

Inspect and measure the thickness of the brake pad friction material. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS , General Specifications.
- 1.
  
  Minor surface cracks do not require pad replacement, however, if there are missing chunks or cracks in the lining through to the backing plate, install new brake pads. REFER to Front Disc Brake - 432 mm (17 in) Brakes or REFER to Front Disc Brake - 457 mm (18 in) Brakes for the front brake pads or REFER to Rear Disc Brake for the rear brake pads.
- 2.
  
  If the thickness of the friction material is less than the specified thickness, install new brake pads. REFER to Front Disc Brake - 432 mm (17 in) Brakes or REFER to Front Disc Brake - 457 mm (18 in) Brakes for the front brake pads or REFER to Rear Disc Brake for the rear brake pads.
- If the friction material shows taper wear that is not within specifications, install new brake pads and verify the caliper guide pins are functioning correctly and the and the brake pad-to-anchor plate contact points are clean and free of wear. For additional information, refer to Brake Caliper Guide Pins inspection and Brake Caliper Anchor Plates inspection.

Brake Disc

NOTE: Using an impact tool without a torque socket leads to unevenly tightened wheel nuts. This causes brake disc on-vehicle lateral runout and brake roughness.

1.

Inspect the brake discs and measure the brake disc thickness. Record the measurement, refer to SPECIFICATIONS , General Specifications.
- 1.
  
  If the brake disc is cracked or otherwise damaged, install a new brake disc. REFER to Front Disc Brake for front brakes or REFER to Rear Disc Brake for rear brakes.
- 2.
  
  If the measurement is below the minimum thickness specification, install a new brake disc. REFER to Front Disc Brake for front brakes or REFER to Rear Disc Brake for rear brakes.
- 3.
  
  If the diagnosis has revealed vibration in the steering wheel, seat or pedal while braking that varies with vehicle speed, machine the brake disc. Heavily scored brake discs, similar to that caused by pads worn down to the backing plate, should also be machined. In order to machine, discs must be above the minimum thickness specification. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS , General Specifications and Refer to Brake Disc Machining .

Brake Caliper

1.

Inspect the brake calipers for leaks, damage to seals and piston corrosion or binding.
- 1.
  
  If the brake caliper is leaking or otherwise damaged, install a new brake caliper. REFER to Front Disc Brake for front brake calipers or REFER to Rear Disc Brake for rear brake calipers.