Latest Toyota Recall Due to Replacement Brake Fluid and OE Seals
Toyota Motor Sales announced it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall for a brake problem that occurs once the vehicle has been serviced with non-factory fill/genuine brake fluid. Drivers may experience a small amount of the brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement
You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS platform for the 2007 model year. There are several brake packages available featuring either a disc/drum combination or a disc/disc combination. All models are equipped with five possible brake system options.
Tech Tip: How to Bleed Slave Cylinders Without Bleed Screws
Technology is constantly changing and hydraulic release clutch systems are no exception. It is not uncommon for once familiar features to disappear from new vehicle models, replaced by “new and improved” designs. This changing landscape can cause confusion, and occasionally result in damage to system components when technicians mistake new features for old ones. Hydraulic slave cylinders without bleed screws are a perfect example.
BRAKE MATH: CALCULATING THE FORCE NEEDED TO STOP A CAR
Harold Unikel of Power Brake X-Change, of Pittsburgh, PA reminded my why it is so important for technicians to be able to understand the brake math basics. I made a mistake while editing the equation for calculating the surface area of a circle which is πR2.
BRAKE MATH: PSI & Clamping Forces What happens in the real world?
In our last installment of Brake Math, we demonstrated how 70 lbs. of force on a brake pedal can result in 556 psi of brake fluid heading to the calipers. So how does this pressure stop a car? Next, we we look at how PSI is turned into “clamping force” and the math behind it. Also, we will look at the implications it has on friction materials and caliper design.
Brake Tech Tip: It May Be Time for a Complete System Flush
With a customer complaint of a fading brake pedal, most technicians automatically assume friction as the culprit. Installing a new or different type of friction formulation may not satisfy the pedal fading symptoms, especially if the brake fluid is contaminated.
Tech Tip: Reverse Bleeding Basics
Many vehicles can develop release problems after a clutch change or replacement of the hydraulic release system components; usually consisting of a clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and line. Conventional bleeding is usually done by opening the slave cylinder bleeder valve and either gravity bleeding or pumping the clutch pedal while opening and closing the slave bleeder valve.
Tech Tip: Volvo Brake Goes Too Low on First Application
If a customer complains of Volvo brakes going too low on first application, it may be because of improperly installed brakes or aerated fluid.
BRAKE JOB: Toyota Tundra Brake Caliper Upgrade
If a 2000-’05 Tundra or Sequoia comes into your shop with a complaint of brake pulsation, there are a few diagnostic steps that should first be taken before repairs are recommended.
Tech Tip: Some Facts About Brake Fluid Flushing
The purpose of the brake fluid is to transfer force under pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers/wheel cylinders. Non-contaminated fluid is imperative in order to maintain good brakeability, and to retain a high boiling point to prevent gassing and brake pedal fade.
Honda Tech Feature: Eliminating Brake Comebacks
The advent of ABS, and its integration into traction control and vehicle stability assist, make good work habits when servicing the brake