Hydraulic Brake Component Operation Visual Inspection
WARNING:
Brake fluid may irritate eyes and skin. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water. If ingested, consult a physician immediately.
CAUTION:
Avoid spilling brake fluid onto painted surfaces, electrical connections, wiring, or cables. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion to electrical components. If any brake fluid comes in contact with painted surfaces, immediately flush the area with water. If any brake fluid comes in contact with electrical connections, wiring, or cables, use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid.
- With the tire and wheel assemblies removed and the brake rotors retained by wheel lug nuts, visually inspect the caliper piston dust boot sealing area to ensure that there are no brake fluid leaks.
- If any evidence of a brake fluid leak is present, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
- For overhaul, see BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL.
- For replacement, see BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- While the brake system is at rest, observe the position of the caliper piston in relation to the caliper housing. See Fig 1.
- Have an assistant apply and release the brake pedal several times while you observe the operation of the hydraulic brake caliper.
- Observe the caliper piston for unrestricted and even movement during each apply of the brake system.
- Observe the caliper piston for an unrestricted and even return motion during each release of the brake system.
- If the caliper piston did not exhibit unrestricted and even movement during brake system apply and/or release, the piston square seal may be worn or damaged and the caliper may require overhaul or replacement:
- For overhaul, see BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL.
- For replacement, see BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.