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Video: How to Inspect a Brake System

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Video Transcript


In this clip we're going to talk about the proper way to remove and replace worn front brake hoses on a 1991 Ford Explorer. In this step we're going to talk about inspection of your braking components, especially your break hose. Right out of the book, anytime you service a break component, you are supposed to inspect all of the other components in that portion of the system. So we're going to check out everything from the beginning of the hose, all the way to the outward break pad here. The reason why they say that is because brakes are the main safety issue on your vehicle, and if you're going to go working on the brakes, to perform a repair, it's a good idea to get a look at everything else. We're going to start here. This portion is steel and almost never fails, as you can see it's a little rusty. But that's not too bad. The reason why I'm replacing my brake hose is this crack in the rubber sheathing. As you can see that there. It's exposing the nylon reinforcement underneath the rubber sheath. The brake hose is built in three sections. It has an inner tube which is approximately the thickness of a pencil lead. That is what carries the fluid from the master cylinder down into the caliper to apply the pressure. The nylon reinforcement is the only thing that makes this brake hose strong. That is the second component. The third component is the rubber skin on the outside which is protection and abrasion prevention. What happens is when the rubber hose deteriorates and cracks, they always crack at the steel joints here or in here. You can see I actually have this one reinforced; the nylon will begin to fray. Once it frays enough, that thing tube on the inside of the hose will make a balloon and explode. You'll lose a vast amount of your breaking ability, all at once. This hose is bad. We're going to go ahead and replace that in this video. You're also going to want to inspect your break pads. You're looking at the friction surface here, not the steel backing, but the friction surface. You're going to want to inspect the outboard and the inboard pad, which is on the inside, your caliper. Just check out the assembly, make sure it's not been damaged by any road debris or rusted out. You're going to want to take a look at the dust boot and the rotor surface. You're going to want to inspect for any kind of heat cracks or damage to the rotor. Take a look at this side. You can lean your head over and spin it and get a look at the other side. That's the proper way to inspect your braking system from the steel line all the way to the outboard pad.
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