1. Wheel Removal & Installation
Brake Inspection
R. Bortignon

2. Wheel Removal…
Lift up the vehicle & keep in mind…
Unibody or body on frame?
FWD or RWD?
Convertible?
Rust?
If you are using a tire iron, then loosen (1/2 turn) each wheel nut before you jack up the car

3. Using an Impact Gun Be sure to use the black impact sockets only!
Metric or Imperial???
All imports = metric
North American cars built after early to mid 1980’s = metric
North American cars built before mid 1980’s = Imperial

4. Important Considerations…

5. Checking the Brakes there are two styles of brake mechanisms…
Disc: on the front wheels
Drum: on the rear wheels of some vehicles
many late model vehicles use disc brakes on all 4 wheels
many cars built before the early 1970’s used drum brakes on all 4 wheels

6. Brake Terminology Disc brakes use brake pads
Drum brakes use brake shoes
The terms pads and shoes are not interchangeable!

7. Disc Brake Pad Wear
new brake pads on most vehicles are about 10mm thick
be sure to check the inner and outer brake pads
brake pads should be replaced when they are below 2.0mm or 0.060” in thickness

8. Disc Brake Inspection Continued…
 DO NOT create dust by using air tools!
Visually check these items…
Brake disc/rotor for grooves
2. Brake flex hose for cracks or swelling
3. Brake caliper: dampness = brake fluid leak 2 3 1

9. Drum Brake Inspection wear a dust mask!
to inspect drum brakes, first remove the drum by pulling it off (split drum type)
for one piece drums, refer to next slide
inspect brake shoe thickness
new: ≈6mm thick
replace: 1.5mm or 0.060” thick
wheel cylinder leaks?
grooves in brake drum
use the Clayton brake washer if you are on the hoist, otherwise use a hose or spray bottle to wash off brake dust!

10. One piece drum removal 1) remove bearing dust cap
2) remove cotter pin or unlock staked nut using a narrow chisel
3) remove the bearing adjusting nut, washer & outer bearing
keep the bearing clean!

11. Before After

12. While you are under there…FWD Axle Inspection
inspect front axles on FWD vehicles…
check axle boots on the constant velocity joints (CV)

13. Reinstalling Wheels 1. Place the wheel back on the car.
2. Install the wheel nuts tapered side in!!!

14. 3. Tighten the nuts by hand (use a socket).
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Use a torque wrench to tighten wheels
Refer to Mitchell to find the wheel torque specs in the maintenance section. (Most vehicles: 80 to 100 Ft. Lbs.)