Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Fluid Leaks
Fluid leak points and dragging brake units can usually be located without removing any components.
- The area around a leak point will be wet with fluid.
- The components at a dragging brake unit (wheel, tire, rotor) will be quite warm or hot to the touch.

Other brake problem conditions will require component removal for proper inspection. Raise the vehicle and remove the necessary wheel brake components for better visual access.

Heavily Rusted/corroded Components
During component inspection, pay particular attention to heavily rusted/corroded brake components (e.g. rotors, caliper pistons, brake return/hold down springs, support plates etc.).

Heavy accumulations of rust may indicate rust and corrosion damage to a brake component.
- It is wise to remove surface rust to accurately determine the depth of rust penentration and damage.
- Light surface rust is fairly normal and not a major concern, (as long as it is removed).
- However, heavy rust build up, especially on high mileage vehicles, may actually cover structural damage to such important components as: brake lines, rotors, support plates, and the brake booster.