How to: Check brake pads, disc thickness, hoses, master cylinder, booster (with video)

[vroomba]

I’ve put together a quick video which steps you though the basic checks you can do to make sure your braking system is in good order.

https://youtu.be/PQDYOK2qNFc

 

Car used:  Boxster S 986 3.2 (2001)

On this episode we -

1.       Do a quick visual check

2.       Check the pads

3.       Check the discs

4.       Inspect brake lines and hoses

5.       Inspect the Calipers and piston boots

6.       Check the brake fluid

7.       Inspect and test the master cylinder and booster

 

These are the tools you will need

·         Screw drivers

·         Socket set

·         Tape measure

·         Micrometer

I listed the tools and where I bought them on my website http://road-and-race/tools

If you want to quickly check the brake pads you can do so by looking through the wheel.   You want to check the pad thickness as indicated in the video.   You won’t be able to see both pads but it’s better than nothing.

 

To fully inspect the brakes the wheels need to be off.  Check out my other video here

 if you want to learn how to safely lift your car and remove the wheels.

 

 

So let’s check the wear levels of the pads and discs.  Your handbook or manual will tell you the minimum thickness of each. 

For my Boxster the pads are 12 millimeters thick when new and should be replaced when down to 2.5 mil.   Most cars have brake wear sensors but it’s always best to manually check once in a while as they are not always perfect.

Next we will check how worn the brake discs are.  Take a micrometer and measure the thickness of the disc.  The disc will probably have a lip around the top edge so to get an accurate reading place two coins on each side of the disc and measure here.  Write down the reading then measure the two coins and write this reading down.   Take the coin size away from the first reading to get your disc thickness.

For my Boxster discs are 28 mil at the front and 24 at the rear.  The minimum thickness is 26 mil front and 22 rear.  

If you have drilled discs like the ones shown check for any cracks developing from the holes.  If you see cracks longer than 7 mil on yours then they need replacing.

The brake lines and hoses carry the brake fluid so you want to check that they are free from cracks, wear and leaks.   

Rubber perishes over time so if your hoses are over 10 years old it’s worth considering replacing them. 

Inspect the calipers for signs of rust and leaks, especially from the bleed valves.

At this stage you have the option to inspect the pistons and boots but you’ll need to take the brake pads out first.  My other video here  shows you how.

 ow you can put the wheel back on and repeat the process on the other 3 corners.

 Next we will inspect the master cylinder, brake fluid and booster.   Your manual will tell you where yours are but in my Boxster they are hidden behind a piece of plastic in the front boot (or bonnet for my American friends) which is kept in place with one screw and one bolt.

 

The brake fluid reservoir holds the brake fluid.  

The brake master cylinder is responsible for pushing brake fluid into the calipers when you press the brake pedal.

The brake booster increases the braking effort of the master cylinder meaning it’s less tiring for the driver to depress the brake pedal.

You want to check for damage, rust and any leaks especially from where the brake lines connect. 

The brake fluid should be clear like shown and not dirty. Brake fluid should be changed at least every 2 years and this video here  shows you how.

To test the master cylinder get in your car and start the engine.  Press and hold the brake pedal down. If the pedal gradually goes all the way down to the floor the master cylinder is faulty.

Now we will test the brake Booster:

Just before you turn off the engine, push down on the brake pedal and hold it. Turn the engine off, and then continue holding your foot on the pedal for another 30 seconds. If the pedal stays where it is, then the brake booster is fine. If the pedal starts to move then it is time to replace it.

 

If you’ve liked these videos then I have more on my Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCk1LXyP9fJ8jUFbBeaznCw

[vroomba]

Updated video is here