When new brake pads are installed, record the measurement at each inspection hole in the brake caliper. Record the axle as the location of the inspection hole changes with the axle. These records can be used as a comparison for future measurements.
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| Illustration 1 | g00646109 |
Typical Brake Wear Measurement Gauge (1) Handle (2) Steel Rod (3) Socket Setscrew | |
If a measuring tool is available the following steps should be taken in order to record measurements when new brake pads are installed.
- Park the machine on hard level ground and apply the parking brake.
- Lower the suspension.
Refer to Operation and Maintenance, "Suspension System - Check/Adjust".
- Stop the engine.
- There are two inspection holes on each brake caliper. Plastic plugs are installed in the two inspection holes on both sides of each brake caliper. Illustration 2 shows the location of the bottom two holes (4) and (5) on the right side brake calipers on the front axle.
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| Illustration 2 | g00646115 |
- Remove plastic plugs from both sides of inspection holes (4) and (5). Apply the service brakes. Seek the assistance of a capable operator in order to apply the service brakes while you record the measurements. Insert the end "A" of the brake wear measurement gauge in inspection hole (4). Mark position (6) on steel rod (2) with a pencil. Remove the brake wear measurement gauge from the inspection hole. Loosen socket setscrew (3) in the handle of the brake wear measurement gauge. Extend steel rod (2) 14 mm (0.55 inch) beyond the handle. Tighten the socket setscrew in the handle of the brake wear measurement gauge. Record the measurement (C). Record the axle and the location of the inspection hole. Rotate the brake wear measurement gauge and insert end "B" of the brake wear measurement gauge in inspection hole (5). Repeat the previous procedure at inspection hole (5) .
Note: The steel rod on the brake wear measurement gauge must be in contact with the brake pads when the measurements are taken.
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| Illustration 3 | g00645509 |
- It is necessary to record the measurement at both inspection holes (4) and (5) as the measurement will differ due to the position of the inspection holes in the brake calipers. The measurement (C) at the inspection holes can differ if the brake disc plate has been skimmed. The measurement at the inspection holes can also be affected if the brake pads are worn or the brake disc plates are distorted. Repeat this procedure at each inspection hole on each axle. Release the service brakes.
The following steps should be taken in order to check the wear on brake pads.
- Apply the service brakes. Seek the assistance of a capable operator in order to apply the service brakes while you check the brake pads. Set the measuring tool to suit the appropriate inspection hole in the brake calipers. Refer to your records.
- Insert the steel rod of the measuring tool in the inspection hole in the brake caliper. Check if the steel rod in the measuring tool is touching the brake pads. When the measurement (C) is reduced to 5 mm (0.2 inch), the service life of the brake pads are nearing the maximum wear. If the handle of the measuring tool touches the brake caliper before the steel rod touches brake pads (7). The brake pads are at the maximum wear. Check the measurement through both inspection holes in the brake caliper as the brake pads can give uneven wear. Release the service brakes.
A steel rod can be used in order to check the brake pads for wear if a measuring tool is not available. The steel rod should measure 5 mm (0.2 inch) diameter and 100 mm (4 inch) long. When a steel rod is used to check the brake pads for wear, the following steps should be taken.
- Apply the service brakes. Seek the assistance of a capable operator in order to apply the service brakes while you check the brake pads. Insert the steel rod in inspection hole (5). Measure the distance from the face of the brake caliper to the brake pads. Mark position (6) on the steel rod with a pencil. Remove the steel rod from the inspection hole. When all the components are new, the measurement should be approximately 70 mm (2.8 inch). Repeat the procedure at inspection hole (4). When all the components are new, the measurement should be approximately 50 mm (2 inch). When the measurements have increased by 14 mm (0.6 inch), the brake pads are nearing the maximum wear. Check the measurement at both inspection holes in the brake caliper as the brake pads can give uneven wear.
Note: The steel rod must be in contact with the brake pads when the measurements are taken.
- The measurement at the inspection holes can differ if the brake disc plate has been skimmed. The measurement at the inspection holes can also be affected if the brake pads are worn or the brake disc plates are distorted. Repeat this procedure at each inspection hole on each axle. Release the service brakes.
Remove the brake pads from the brake calipers for closer inspection. Measure the thickness of the friction material and carrier at both ends of the brake pads. Minimum thickness of the friction material is 11 mm (0.4 inch). Replace the brake pads if the friction material is worn to these figures. Install the brake pads.
Press the service brake control. Observe that the brake pads move freely away from the brake caliper.
Release the service brake control. Observe that the brake pads move freely away from the brake disc. If there is not enough free play between the brake pads and the brake caliper, the service brakes may not release completely. Investigate the cause. Replace any worn out parts.
Repeat the procedure for each wheel brake.
Install the plastic plugs on all of the brake calipers.
Start the engine.
Raise the suspension.
Refer to Operation and Maintenance, "Suspension System - Check/Adjust".