Workshop Manual

5C–6
POWER–ASSISTED BRAKE SYSTEM
Diagnosis
Road Testing The Brakes
Brake Test
Brakes should be tested on a dry, clean, reasonably
smooth and level roadway. A true test of brake
performance cannot be made if the roadway is wet,
greasy or covered with loose dirt where all tires do not grip
the road equally. Testing will also be adversely affected if
the roadway is crowned so as to throw the weight of the
vehicle toward wheels on one side or if the roadway is so
rough that wheels tend to bounce. Test the brakes at
different vehicle speeds with both light and heavy pedal
pressure; however, avoid locking the wheels and sliding
the tires. Braking without locking the tires will stop the
vehicle in less distance than braking to a skid (which has
no brake efficiency). More tire to road friction is present
while braking without locking the tires than braking to a
skid.
The standard brake system is designed and balanced to
avoid locking the wheels except at very high deceleration
levels.
It is designed this way because the shortest stopping
distance and best control is achieved without brake
lock–up.
Because of high deceleration capability, a firmer pedal
may be felt at higher deceleration levels.
External Conditions That Affect Brake Performance
1.Tires: Tires having unequal contact and grip on the
road will cause unequal braking. Tires must be
equally inflated, identical in size, and the thread
pattern of right and left tires must be approximately
equal.
2.Vehicle Loading: A heavily loaded vehicle requires
more braking effort.
3.Wheel Alignment: Misalignment of the wheels,
particularly in regard to excessive camber and caster,
will cause the brakes to pull to one side.
Brake Fluid Leaks
With engine running at idle and the transmission in
“Neutral”, depress the brake pedal and hold a constant
foot pressure on the pedal. If pedal gradually falls away
with the constant pressure, the hydraulic system may be
leaking.
Check the master cylinder fluid level. While a slight drop in
the reservoir level will result from normal lining wear, an
abnormally low level in reservoir indicates a leak in the
system. The hydraulic system may be leaking internally
as well as externally. Refer to
Master Cylinder Inspection .
Also, the system may appear to pass this test but still
have slight leakage. If fluid level is normal, check the
vacuum booster push rod length. If an incorrect length
push rod is found, adjust or replace the push rod. Check
the brake pedal travel and the parking brake adjustment.
When checking the fluid level, the master cylinder fluid
level may be lower than the “MAX” mark if the front and
rear linings are worn. This is normal.
Warning Light Operation
When the ignition switch is in the START position, the
“BRAKE” warning light should turn on and go off when the
ignition switch returns to the ON position.
The following conditions will activate the “BRAKE” light:
1.Parking brake applied. The light should be on
whenever the parking brake is applied and the ignition
switch is on.
2.Low fluid level. A low fluid level in the master cylinder
will turn the “BRAKE” light on.
3.During engine cranking the “BRAKE” light should
remain on. This notifies the driver that the warning
circuit is operating properly.