- OUT OF PRINT - Like all Haynes repair and service manuals available from The Motor Bookstore, the Automotive Brake Manual, shows you all you need to know about automotive brake systems. From the basics, such as braking systems principles of operation, to which tools and equipment you'll need in order to do the job right. Step-by-step instructions, accompanied by more than 500 close-up photos, show you how to replace brake pads or brake shoes on just about every car or light truck on the road. Other topics covered by this manual include, hydraulic system service, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) fundamentals, modifications, and critical fastener torque specifications. This book is a must-have for the serious do-it-yourselfer.
Book Excerpt: Automotive Brake Manual: Maintain, Troubleshoot, Repair Drum, Disc, ABS Brake Systems DRUM BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Most drum brakes are equipped with self-adjusters but some (mainly on older vehicles) are not, and will need periodic adjustment to compensate for wear. Even the brake shoes on self-adjusting drum brakes have to adjusted when they are installed. This is because the self-adjusters maintain a specified clearance between the brake shoe lining and the drum, but won't compensate for a large gap (not until after many applications of the brake or parking brake, depending on design). Brakes that are out of adjustment will result a low pedal condition and can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other when the brakes are applied. Loosen the wheel lug nuts or bolts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands placed under the frame rails, subframe, the pan (unibody-constructed vehicles only) or under the rear axle housing (vehicles with solid rear axles only), if not already done. Block the wheels at the opposite end of the vehicle to prevent it from rolling. Release the parking brake if you're adjusting rear drum brakes. Remove the adjustment hole plug(s) in the brake backing plate or drum, if equipped. Rotate the wheel and make sure that the parking brake isn't causing any brake drag. If there is any drag, back off the parking brake adjusting nut (follow the parking brake cable to the equalizer - the point at which the single forward cable connects with the rear cables). Using a screwdriver or brake adjusting tool inserted through the correct hole, turn the adjuster star wheel or the adjuster screw, until the drum is locked in place (see illustrations). Some brakes (leading/leading shoe brakes [see Chapter 1] have two adjusters. If you are working on one of these kinds of brakes, adjust the shoes one at a time.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS AND POWER BOOSTERS

POWER BOOSTERS: VACUUM-OPERATED BOOSTERS CHECK Perform the power booster checking procedures described in Chapter 4. If a defective booster is not diagnosed from those checks, inspect the check valve. To do this, disconnect the vacuum hose where it connects to the metal pipe or the intake manifold (don't disconnect it at the booster). Apply pressure and suction to the end of the hose, making sure air only flows away from the booster. If it flows in both directions or if there is not airflow at all, replace the check valve. On some vehicles the check valve is located inside the hose, requiring replacement of the hose. If the check valve is functioning properly and the hose doesn't have a leak, the engine may be the culprit. If the engine is old and tired, if the ignition timing is way off or if there's a large vacuum leak, it may be not be producing enough vacuum to enable the booster to give satisfactory power assist. A restricted exhaust system could also be the cause of low vacuum. Note: Some engines are fitted with vacuum pumps which help generate vacuum to power the brake booster and other accessories. A defective vacuum pump will most often make a loud rapping sound that rises and falls with engine speed. You can also test the operation of the vacuum pump as outlined in the engine vacuum check in the next paragraph.

Subject: Transportation: Automotive: Brake Systems: How to maintain, troubleshoot and repair drum, disc, and ABS brakes. ISBN-10: 156392112X | ISBN-13: 9781563921124 | Haynes 10410