Attention! The brake system may contain asbestos which is hazardous to your health. Do not blow out its particles with compressed air or inhale it. Do not use gasoline or solvents to remove asbestos dust. Use only brake cleaner or denatured alcohol.
Note. Illustrations regarding the brake system are contained in chapter 9.
1. In addition to the above intervals, the brakes should be checked whenever wheels are removed or malfunctions are suspected. Raise the vehicle and secure it firmly on stands. Remove wheels.
Disc brakes (front)
2. Disc brakes can be checked without removing any parts other than wheels. If the brake pads are not replaced in time, extensive damage to the disc can occur.
3. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that emit a screeching warning sound when the pads are worn to the limit (see illustration).
17.3. When the pads are worn, the brake wear indicator (indicated by an arrow) will come into contact with the discs and will make a sharp squealing sound when braking
Attention! If the pads are not replaced soon after the wear indicators begin to screech, disc damage can occur, requiring costly repairs.
4. The disc brake calipers where the pads are installed are now visible. Each caliper has an outer and inner pad. All pads should be checked.
5. Each caliper has "window" for checking brake pads (see illustration). As soon as the pad material wears down to a thickness of about 1/8 inch or less, the pads should be replaced.
17.5. Look through the holes in the front of the caliper to check the condition of the brake pads (indicated by arrows); you can also check the lining of the pads rubbing against the disc by looking through each of the ends of the caliper
6. If you are unsure of the exact thickness of the remaining lining material, remove the pads for further inspection or replacement (see chapter 9).
7. Before installing wheels, check for leaks and/or damage to brake hoses and connections. If necessary, replace the hose or couplings by contacting chapter 9.
8. Check the condition of the brake disc. Pay attention to crevices, deep scratches and areas of overheating (they are either discolored or have a blue tint). If wear or damage is found, the disc can be removed and reground in the workshop or replaced with a new one. Regarding detailed inspection and repair procedures see chapter 9.
Drum brakes (rear)
9. Raise the vehicle and secure it on stands. Block the front wheels to prevent the car from rolling away; however, do not apply the parking brake as this will lock the drums.
10. Remove wheels.
11. Mark the hub so that it can be installed in the same position in its original place. Use chalk, scriber, etc., leaving marks on the drum, hub and base plate.
12. Remove the brake drum.
13. When the brake drum is removed, carefully clean the brake assembly with brake cleaner.
Attention! Do not blow off dust with compressed air or inhale it (it may contain asbestos, which is a health hazard).
14. Measure the thickness of the lining material on the front and rear brake pads. If the material has worn down to 1/8 inch, counting down to the rivets or metal backing, the linings should be replaced (see illustrations). Linings should be replaced even if they are split, covered with glaze (there are shiny areas) or filled with brake fluid.
17.14. If the brake linings are glued to the brake shoe, measure the thickness of the lining from the outer surface to the metal of the shoe as shown here; if brake linings are riveted to the shoe, measure the thickness from the outer surface of the lining to the head of the rivet
15. Make sure all brake assembly springs are connected and in good condition.
16. Check brake system parts for brake fluid leaks. Use your finger or a small screwdriver to carefully pry off the rubber caps on the wheel cylinder located at the top of the brake pads. Any leak here is an indication that the wheel cylinders need an immediate overhaul (see chapter 9). Also, check all hoses and couplings for leaks.
17. Wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth dampened with denatured alcohol or brake cleaner. Be careful not to inhale dangerous asbestos dust.
18. Check the inside of the drums for chips, nicks, deep gouges and hard spots that appear as small discolored areas. If they cannot be removed with fine-grained sandpaper, the drum should be sent to the workshop for regrinding.
19. Repeat this procedure for the other wheel. If the check reveals that all parts are in good condition, reinstall the brake drums, install the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground.
Parking brake
20. The parking brake is activated by the pedal; it blocks the rear brake system. The easiest and probably the simplest method to periodically check the parking brake is to stop the vehicle on a steep hill with the parking brake applied and the transmission in neutral. If the parking brake is not "keeps" car, it needs maintenance (see chapter 9).