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"How to Keep Your
Brakes From Letting You Down".
Think of your car's brake system as an extension of
your body. If you push on the pedal and the car doesn't respond as you expect it to, you
may be in trouble. When your brakes feel good you'll feel better about driving. There are
no short cuts on brake work. Invest in the best Brake Parts you can get.
Brake Failure Symptoms
Noises
Your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange
noises when you depress the brake. Two of the most common are squeaks and grinding.
Squeaks
Friction from the brake lining causes heat. Under extreme conditions
this can damage the pads and/or lining, brake drums and rotors.
Grinding
A metallic grinding sound indicates your brake pads are worn through.
Metal-to-metal contact will damage drums or rotors.
Low or Fading Brake Pedal
Do your brakes require pumping to stop the car? Does the pedal sink to
the floor board when you're stopped at a light? There may be a leak in the brake system,
air in the brake lines, or the need for a brake adjustment.
Pulling to one side or brake drag
Worn or uneven brake linings or a damaged brake line can cause your
vehicle to pull to one side. Brakes that are out of adjustment or have contaminated fluid
can cause brakes to drag.
Inspecting Your Brakes
1 Master Cylinder
The master cylinder, heart of the brake system, contains a reservoir for
brake fluid. It is located on the firewall and should be checked periodically to ensure
the proper fluid level.
2 Brake Lines
Attached to the master cylinder, steel brake tubing runs to all four
wheels. Brake lines should be inspected for rust, which can lead to leaks. If the lines
are damaged they should be replaced.
3 Brake Hoses
Rubber brake hoses run from the brake lines to the brake calipers and
wheel cylinders. Constant exposure to road grime, dirt, salt and other elements can cause
the rubber to become brittle and crack, leading to brake failure.
4 Linings and Pads
The pads and brake shoe linings should be checked periodically for
uneven or excess wear, glazing, or saturation from brake fluid or grease.
5 Calipers and Wheel Cylinders
Brakes are activated by brake fluid pressure from the master cylinder
pushing a piston located in the caliper or wheel cylinder against the pad or shoe. A leak
can cause erratic braking or brake failure.
6 Bearings and Seals
Wheel bearings should be inspected and lubricated periodically. Worn
wheel bearings, which can cause faulty steering as well as erratic braking, should be
replaced.
7 Parking Brake
The parking brake should be adjusted periodically.
How to break in Your New
Brakes...
- Make approximately 20 complete stops from 30 mph or 20
"slow downs" from 50 mph to 20 mph with light to moderate pedal pressure.
- Allow at least 30 seconds between brake applications for the
brake shoes or pads to cool down.
- Do this as part of your normal driving time during the first
100 miles. Try to avoid hard stops during this time.
| ASK FOR: |
Wagner
Brake Products |
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For more
than a century, Wagner Brake Products has held the leadership position as a full-line
supplier and basic manufacturer of quality brake components. With a total of 111 patents
on just about every part of the brake system in automotive, fleet and heavy-duty vehicles,
Wagner is the name top specialists around the country ask for when they want the job done
right. |
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