Notes When Repairing and Maintaining Car Undercarriage Brakes

Car undercarriage brake is an auxiliary braking system, operating independently of the main braking system (foot brake). This system is often equipped on trucks, passenger cars and some off-road vehicles to enhance braking ability, especially in bad road conditions or when overloaded.

The car's underbody braking system plays a key role in ensuring safety on every journey. According to statistics from the National Traffic Safety Committee, about 22% of car accidents are related to brake system failure. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of this system is extremely necessary.

This article will provide you with detailed and in-depth notes when repairing and maintaining car undercarriage brakes.

Check the overall braking system

Before starting any repair or maintenance, it is important to assess the overall braking system. Look for the following signs:

• Vibration: When braking, if the steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates violently, it may be due to deformed brake discs or uneven brake pad wear.
• Unusual noises: A metallic screeching sound when braking is often a sign that the brake pads are worn to a warning level.
• Reduced braking performance: If you need to press the brakes harder than usual to stop your vehicle, it could be due to a leak in the hydraulic system or excessive wear on the brake pads.

According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 85% of brake problems can be detected through regular inspection and listening for warning signs from the vehicle.

Brake fluid check and maintenance

Brake fluid is an important factor in transmitting force from the brake pedal to the brake components. Note:

• Inspection Frequency: Check the brake fluid level at least once a month.
• Oil color:
• New oil: Amber or pale yellow
• Oil to change: Dark brown or black

• Oil Level: Always maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir.

Important Note: When adding oil, wipe the reservoir mouth clean to avoid oil spillage and damage to the car's paint. According to the recommendations of most car manufacturers, brake fluid should be changed every 2 years or after 40,000 km, whichever comes first.

Check and replace brake pads

Brake pads are the most worn part of the brake system. Timely inspection and replacement is important:

Brake pad thickness: Check periodically every 10,000 km or 6 months.

• New brake pads: Usually about 10-12mm thick
• Need to replace: When thickness is below 3-4mm

Signs you need to replace brake pads:

• Dashboard brake warning light is on
• Metallic screeching sound when braking
• The trailer pulls to one side when braking.
• Need to brake deeper than usual

According to data from the Automotive Industry Association, timely brake pad replacement can increase the life of brake discs by up to 50%, saving significant repair costs in the long run.

Check brake fluid system

The oil pipe system is the “blood vessel” network of the brake system. Note:

• Check for leaks: Closely inspect metal pipes and hoses for cracks, rust or blisters.
• Elasticity: The hose should not be too stiff or spongy, easily breaking when bent.
• Inspection frequency: The entire piping system should be inspected at least every 6 months or every 20,000 km.

Warning: If you notice any signs of leakage, stop using the vehicle and take it to a reputable garage immediately. Statistics show that 35% of serious brake failures are related to a faulty oil line system.

Brake system bleed procedure

Bleeding (also known as air bleed) is the process of removing air from the brake hydraulic system. This is an important step after changing the brake fluid or repairing the system:

Prepare:

• New brake fluid
• Drain valve wrench
• Transparent plastic tube
• Container to collect waste oil

Procedure:

• Open the brake fluid reservoir cap and fill with new fluid.
• Start with the wheel furthest from the oil tank (usually the right rear wheel)
• Connect the plastic tube to the drain valve, the other end is immersed in the oil tank.
• Ask the assistant to brake and hold
• Open the drain valve, observe the air bubbles in the pipe, close the valve when the bubbles are gone.
• Repeat the process until there are no more air bubbles.
• Do the same with the remaining cakes.

Note: The air release process must be done carefully and correctly. If you do not have experience, you should ask a specialist at a reputable garage to do it.

Maintenance and repair of the car's underbody brake system requires meticulousness and high expertise. According to experts' recommendations, the brake system should be thoroughly maintained every 20,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. This not only helps ensure safety for every journey but also saves major repair costs in the long run.

Remember, safety is the top priority when participating in traffic. Maintaining your braking system in good condition not only protects you and your family, but also contributes to the overall traffic safety of the community.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to know if the brake disc needs to be replaced?

Brake discs need to be replaced when the following signs appear:

• Thickness is less than 1.5mm (measured with caliper)
• Cracks and deep grooves appear on the surface
• Uneven surface, with "wave" phenomenon
• Unusual noise when braking

Statistics show that brake discs usually need to be replaced after about 70,000 - 80,000 km depending on usage conditions and product quality. Read the article now: Those damage to the car brake system and the most effective treatments are shared on the website.

2. Why is it important to balance the braking force between the wheels?

Balancing braking force between the wheels ensures stability during sudden braking. If braking force is uneven, the vehicle can pull, increasing the risk of an accident. According to research by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), vehicles with balanced braking force are 22% less likely to lose control during sudden braking at high speeds.

3. How does the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) work?

The ABS system uses speed sensors at each wheel to detect locking. When it detects a wheel that is about to lock, the ABS will:

• Reduce brake pressure to that wheel
• Maintains optimum braking force
• Allows the wheel to continue rotating, maintaining control

ABS can activate and release the brakes up to 15 times per second, reducing braking distance by 40% on slippery roads.

4. What is the optimal frequency for brake fluid changes?

Brake fluid should be changed according to the following schedule:

• Regular car: 2 years/time or 40,000 km
• Sports, high performance vehicles: 1 year/time or 20,000 km

New brake fluid has a boiling point above 230°C, while old fluid can drop below 180°C, significantly reducing braking efficiency. See product now Castrol brake Fluid Dot 4 Cans of 1L - DPDOT4 Genuine, best price.

5. Should I change my brake pads at home?

Changing brake pads at home is not recommended because:

• Requires special tools (such as piston press)
• Requires knowledge of alignment and tension of components
• High risk if done wrong (damaged brake disc, oil leak)

Statistics show that 65% of cases of self-replacement of brake pads at home have problems with brake performance within the first 6 months.

6. How to store spare brake fluid?

Reserve brake fluid should be:

• Store in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight.
• Store in a dry place, stable temperature (15-25°C)
• Keep away from heat and sparks.
• Use within 1 year of opening.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air at a rate of about 2% per year, reducing its boiling point and braking effectiveness.

7. Address of professional car brake repair/maintenance?

Thanh Phong Auto We are proud to be a pioneer in the field of maintenance and repair of car underbody brake systems in the region. With a team of experienced and highly trained technicians, we are committed to providing the highest quality service to our customers.

At Thanh Phong Auto, we use the most advanced technology in the industry, including:

• Modern electronic diagnostic system
• High precision measuring equipment
• 3D simulation software for brake system analysis

Our services include:

• General test brake system
• Brake pad replacement and alignment
• Brake fluid maintenance and replacement
• Brake disc repair and replacement
• Troubleshooting ABS and electronic braking systems

With a 100% satisfaction commitment, Thanh Phong Auto ensures that your car will be taken care of with care and professionalism. We are confident that after using the service, your car's brake system will operate effectively as new, ensuring maximum safety for every journey.

Let Thanh Phong Auto become a reliable companion on all your trips!