| DESCRIPTION
Each front brake assembly consists of a high quality cast iron disc which is attached to and rotates with the hub and a cast iron caliper mounted on the stub axle carrier and straddles the rotating disc.
The caliper houses two co-axially aligned pistons operating on a pair of brake pads, one each side of the disc. The brake pads are retained in the brake caliper by pins and spring clips. The pistons and bores are protected by dust covers fitted in the open end of the bores in the calipers and fluid leakage is prevented by rubber sealing rings fitted in annular grooves machined inside the bores.
A metal splash guard, fitted on the inside face of the stub axle carrier, protects the inner face of the disc from road dirt while the outer. face of the disc is protected by the front wheel.
Application of the brake pedal generates pressure in the hydraulic system and caliper causing the pistons to apply equal pressure on each brake pad moving the latter into contact with the disc.
When the brake pedal is released, pressure on the brake pads collapses but the pistons and brake pads remain in position for the next brake application. In t'his manner brake pad wear is automatically taken up, thus no manual adjustment is necessary.
No special driving technique is required for disc brakes but after negotiating a ford or water splash, or after driving on flooded roads it may be necessary to lightly apply the brakes a number of times in order to dry out the brake pads and discs to maintain full braking power.
It is also advisable to do this after or during prolonged driving in wet weather, under circumstances when the brakes are not often in use, such as may occur on motor- ways, etc. |
BRAKE PADS
The friction material of the brake pad is bonded and in some instances riveted to the backing plate and can therefore only be renewed by the fitment of complete brake pad assemblies.
There is no need to bleed the hydraulic system of air after refitting the brake pads.
To remove and refit (Fig. 2)
1. Apply the handbrake, jack up the front of the car and remove the front wheel.
2. Withdraw the two brake pads from the caliper by removing the two retaining clips and pins.
3. Refitting is the reverse of the removal sequence but particular attention must be given to the following:-
(i) Check the condition and fitting of the rubber dust covers and renew or refit as necessary, see under "Caliper -To dismantle and reassemble".
(ii) Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir to assess the possibility of overflowing when the pistons are pressed into the calipers. The overflowing can be staunched by wrapping the reservoir in an absorbent cloth or by syphoning off some of the fluid.
(iii) Ensure that the brake pads and disc are free from dirt and grease.
(iv) Pump the brake pedal until solid resistance is felt.
(v) Do not make snap applications of the brakes or expect full braking power .until the brake pads have bedded Into the disc.
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