Component inspection
From 2nd Generation Rx7 Service Wiki
It's always a good idea to do a regular inspection of your braking system. This will ensure that you won't have any surprises down the road when you want to stop. Always replace any components that are questionable.
Contents |
Fluid
- Fill the fluid level so it's just below the max mark.
- Open the resevoir and check the fluid for any signs of moisture which will show up as spots on the top of the fluid.
- Check for a burnt smell in the fluid
- Compare the color to fresh fluid. If it has become dark and cruddy looking it would be a good to to bleed the entire system and get some fresh fluid in there. See the bleeding section for details.
Brake Lines
- Start at the master cylinder and check the hard lines for any kinks, splits, leaks, etc.
- Check the flare nuts for any fluid leakage and then move to the hard lines at the wheels.
- Once you get down to the wheels check the soft lines for any leaks, bulging, or blistering. Use a mirror to check the backside as well. If the soft lines show any sign of wear they should be replaced immediatly. Replacement lines are innexpensive and for a bit extra you can purchase stainless steel replacements that will last a very long time and give you a firmer braking system.
Calipers and Brake Pads
- Check the calipers by removing the wheel then inspect them for any fluid leakage.
- Remove the lower caliber mouting bolt and swing the caliper up. Check the pads for abnormal wear, cracking, etc. Check the pad thickness, the minimum is 2.0mm (0.08in.)
- While the pads are out, check the piston boots for any tearing and check the pistons for abnormal corrosion. If the boots are torn it would be a good time to rebuild or replace the caliper.
Discs
- If you have a dial-gauge you can attach it to the strut and test the run-out of the disc. Maximum run-out is 0.1mm (0.004in.)
- Check the disc for thickness. There should be a decent amount of meat on the rotor and nothing more then a small lip at the edge of the disc. If in doubt, use a micrometer to meassure the thickness, it should be no less then 20mm thick.
- If you get shuddering while stopping, take the discs into a machining shop and have them turn the disc. The average price for this service is $10-15 and they'll let you know if the disc is getting too thin to bother with.
