Brakes procedures

• Checking & adjusting brake fluid
• Replacing brake fluid
• Checking brake pads
• Replacing brake pads
• Removing & replacing a rotor
•  Checking wheel cylinders
• Replacing brake linings 
• Adjusting a park brake cable

Checking & adjusting brake fluid

Part 1. Preparation and safety

Objective

• Check and adjust brake fluid level.

Safety check

• Never use any petroleum or mineral based products, such as gasoline, kerosene etc, to clean a braking system or its components. They are not compatible and will result in a failure of the braking system and its components. This may result in injury to the passengers or damage to the vehicle.
• Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.

Antilock braking system & components

• ABS brake system
   Antilock braking system operation
• Principles of ABS braking
• ABS master cylinder
• Hydraulic control unit
• Wheel speed sensors 
• ABS electronic control unit

ABS brake system

ABS brakes

The antilock braking system is designed to prevent wheels locking or skidding, no matter how hard brakes are applied, or how slippery the road surface.

The primary components of the ABS braking system are:

• Electronic control unit (ECU)
• Hydraulic control unit or modulator
• Power booster & master cylinder assembly
• Wheel sensor unit

Disc brakes & components

• Disc brake system
• Disc brake operation
• Disc brake rotors
• Disc brake pads
• Disc brake calipers
• Proportioning valves
• Proportioning valve operation

Disc brake system

Modern passenger vehicles are usually equipped with disc brakes on at least two wheels.
The primary components of the disc brakes are:

• Rotor
• Caliper
• Brake pads

The rotor is the main rotating part of this brake system. It is hard wearing and resists the high temperatures that occur during braking. Its manufacturer will specify the minimum thickness for the rotor. Rotors can be of a solid construction or slotted. The slotted rotor is referred to as a "ventilated disc".

Drum brakes & components

• Drum brake system
• Drum brake system
• Brake linings & shoes
• Backing plate 
• Wheel cylinders

Drum brake system

Drum brakes are still found on older vehicles, and on cars with a combination of both disc and drum brakes.
The main components of the drum brake system are:

Braking system components

• Park brake system
• Brake pedal
• Brake lines
• Brake fluid
• Bleeding
• Master cylinder 
• Divided systems
• Tandem master cylinder
• Power booster or brake unit
• Hydraulic brake booster
• Electrohydraulic braking (EHB)
• Applying brakes 
• Brake force
• Brake light switch

Park brake system

Park brakes

All vehicles must have at least two independent systems.

The primary components of the park brake system are: