Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
General Maintenance
- INSPECT BRAKE LINE PIPES AND HOSES
HINT:
Work in a well-lighted area. Turn the front wheels fully to the right or left before beginning the inspection.
- Using a mirror, check the entire circumference and length of the brake lines and hoses for:
- Damage
- Wear
- Deformation
- Cracks
- Corrosion
- Leaks
- Kinks
- Twists
- Check all clamps for tightness and connections for leaks.
- Check that the hoses and lines are not near sharp edges, moving parts or the exhaust system.
- Check that the lines are installed properly and pass through the center of the grommets.
- Using a mirror, check the entire circumference and length of the brake lines and hoses for:
- INSPECT BRAKE PEDAL
(See BRAKE PEDAL )
- INSPECT PARKING BRAKE
(See PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM )
- INSPECT BRAKE LININGS AND DRUMS
- Check the linings and drums parking brake.
- INSPECT FRONT BRAKE
- Check the front brake pads and discs (See INSPECTION ).
- INSPECT REAR BRAKE
- Check the rear brake pads and discs.
REAR BRAKE PADS AND DISCS INSPECTION PROCEDURE REFERENCE CHARTType See Procedure Double Wishbone Type Suspension See INSPECTION Torsion Beam Type Suspension See DISASSEMBLY - INSPECT OR CHANGE BRAKE FLUID
(See BRAKE FLUID )
Fluid:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT3
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
