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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on doing your own brake job! You have made the decision to learn a new skill or improve an existing one. Doing so will give you the satisfaction of completing an important, very critical task. At the completion, you will know it was done right and you will save some money too. You will also be able to assist your family and friends to help them save some money or maybe even earn some extra money. It is no secret that the brakes on your vehicle cannot be taken lightly and that the proper procedures are critical to your safety and others on the road. The proper procedures are also critical to your safety when working on your brakes. Please read and understand everything before you touch the first bolt or remove the first wheel cover.

This book is divided into 10 chapters. Although each chapter is specific to a particular subject related to brake systems and could be used on its own, you are encouraged to read the entire book before tackling a brake job. The book begins with an overview of brake systems and their history, which is followed by the components that comprise the system.

Following that, specifics about disc brakes, drum brakes, parking brakes, and the hydraulic system are provided. The hydraulic system supplies the force to apply the brakes at the wheels and must be carefully inspected, serviced, and bled during the brake job. Your vehicle uses a brake assist system to increase the force that you apply to the brake pedal. The next chapter covers how that is accomplished: with vacuum, power steering pressure, or electrically. All components, operation, diagnosis, and service steps are included in each of these chapters.

You will also find a chapter on troubleshooting, outlining common brake problems and their causes. Another chapter covers ABS and electronic brake systems. These systems interact with the base brake system you will be working on, so you need to know some details about their operation and precautions related to them. Also included is a glimpse into the future of how brake systems will evolve when ADAS and autonomous vehicles become more common on the road.

In addition to using this book, it is also very important to refer to the factory service information for specific details about the system you are working on. For example, some newer electronically controlled brake systems require that the system be put into service mode prior to repairs. The system has the ability to perform a self-test, which can pressurize the hydraulic system without warning. This could cause injury if the hydraulic system is open or your hands are in a component, such as a brake caliper, during service. Some models have electric parking brakes that may require a special procedure to retract the caliper so new brakes can be installed. In addition to the service manual that is normally available online, a technical service bulletin (TSB) may be available from the manufacturer to explain an update or common issue related to your vehicle.

After reading this book, you will have a good knowledge of automotive and light truck brake systems. With some common tools and a few special ones, brake work could become something you look forward to. The final chapter provides a step-by-step overview to performing a complete brake job on a disc and drum brake vehicle with photos explaining every step. It can be used as an outline after reading the detailed chapters that cover the specifics with greater depth.

Again, congratulations on learning a new skill!