Check the brake system and replace the brake fluid with subsequent bleeding (Opel Frontera A)

Warning! Dust from brake lining wear that accumulates on brake components may contain asbestos, which is hazardous to health. Do not blow out this dust with compressed air or inhale it! Do not use gasoline-based solvents to remove dust. Dust should be washed off with a special brake system cleaner or methyl alcohol into a drain container. After wiping the brake system components with a damp cloth, the cloth and contents of the drain pan should be kept in a closed and labeled container. In the future, try to use asbestos-free components whenever possible.

Note: In addition to checking at specified intervals, the condition of the brake mechanisms should be checked every time the wheels are removed or when signs of a malfunction appear in the system. To ensure safe driving, the brake system inspection procedures described below are the most important of all the vehicle maintenance procedures you will perform.

Signs of a problem with the brake system

1. Disc brakes may have built-in friction lining wear indicators that signal that lining wear has reached a critical level. In this case, the linings should be changed immediately, otherwise the brake discs will be damaged and will require expensive repairs.

2. Any of the following symptoms may indicate a potential brake system defect:

• a) When you press the brake pedal, the car "pulls" to one side;
• b) The brakes make scraping or squealing sounds when braking;
• c) The brake pedal has excessive travel;
• d) The brake pedal pulsates (this is normal only when the ABS system is working);
• e) Brake fluid leaks are observed (usually on the inside of a tire or wheel).

3. If you notice any of these signs, have your brake system inspected immediately.

Brake lines and hoses

Note: The brake system mainly uses steel brake pipes, with the exception of flexible reinforced hoses at the front wheels and as connections at the rear axle. Regular inspection of all these lines is very important.

1. Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Remove the hubcaps from the wheels. Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts on all four wheels.

2. Jack up the vehicle and support it securely on supports.

3. Remove the wheels see. Chapter Jacking and towing.

4. Check all brake lines and hoses for cracks or abrasions in their outer coating, leaks, bulges and deformations. Check the brake hoses at the front and rear of the vehicle for signs of softening, cracking, deformation, or wear due to friction against other components. Check all fittings for signs of leaks and ensure that all bolts and brake hose clamps are securely fastened.

5. If any fluid leaks or damage are detected, they should be repaired immediately. For a more detailed description of the brake system repair procedure, refer to Chapter Brake system.

Disc brakes

1. If it has not already been done, jack up the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.

Article posted on a web portal: OPELBOOK.ru

2. Now you can see the disc brake calipers, which contain the pads. Each caliper has outer and inner pads - both should be checked.



3. Assess the thickness of the pads by looking into the inspection hole in the caliper body. If the friction lining thickness is 2.0 mm or less, or if they are worn more on one side than the other, the pads should be replaced (see chapter Brake system). Remember that the friction linings are usually glued to the metal pad backing - its thickness should not be taken into account when measuring. Always replace the pads on both sides of the vehicle (complete on one axis), even if only one of them is worn out, otherwise the braking process will be uneven.



4. Remove the calipers without disconnecting the brake hoses (see chapter Brake system).

5. Check the condition of the brake disc. Inspect it for grooves, deep scratches and overheated areas (they appear as blue or discolored spots). If signs of damage or wear are detected, the disc can be removed and resurfaced in a mechanical workshop; if this is not possible, it should be replaced. In both cases, both disks should be replaced or sharpened, even if only one of them is worn out. The inspection and repair procedure is described in more detail in Chapter Brake system.

Drum brakes

1. Using the instructions of the Chapter Brake system, remove the rear brake drums.



2. Measure the thickness of the rear brake shoe friction linings and inspect them for signs of contamination with brake fluid or grease. If the pads are glued to the shoe base, their thickness is measured from the surface of the base as shown in Figure (A); if the pads are riveted to the shoe metal, the measurement is taken from the surface of the pad to the tops of the rivet heads.

If the pad is within 2.0mm thick above the rivet heads or metal base, replace the shoes. Cracked, polished to a shine, and contaminated with brake fluid or grease shoes must also be replaced. The replacement procedure is described in Chapter Brake system.



3. Check the condition of the shoe tension and retaining springs, as well as the adjustment mechanism. Make sure all these components are installed correctly and in working order. Worn or deformed springs can cause premature wear of the friction linings.

4. Check the wheel cylinders for signs of leaks by carefully removing the protective rubber boots. The presence of minor traces of moisture under the covers is acceptable. If brake fluid is found underneath them or if it is leaking from the wheel cylinder, the cylinders should be overhauled or replaced (see chapter Brake system).

5. Check the drums for deep scratches, grooves, cracks and overheated areas that appear as discolored spots. If the defects found cannot be removed with sandpaper, the drum should be turned in a workshop (see chapter Brake system for more detailed information).

6. Following the instructions of the Head Brake system, install the brake drums.

7. Install the wheels, but do not lower the vehicle yet.

Parking brake

1. The simplest, and perhaps most obvious, way to test the parking brake is to park the vehicle on a steep hill with the brakes applied and the transmission in neutral (you must be in the car during the check). If the parking brake does not prevent the vehicle from rolling, it should be adjusted as described in Chapter Brake system.