lock DODGE RAM 2001 Service Workshop Manual

INSTALLATION
(1) Raise the axle with lifting device and align to
the leaf spring centering bolts.
(2) Install the spring clamps and spring brackets.
Refer to 2 Suspension for procedures.
(3) Install shock absorbers and tighten nuts to 82
N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the RWAL sensor to the differential
housing, if necessary. Refer to 5 Brakes for proce-
dures.
(5) Connect the parking brake cables and cable
brackets.
(6) Install the brake drums. Refer to 5 Brakes for
procedures.
(7) Connect the brake hose to the axle junction
block. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(8) Install axle vent hose.
(9) Align propeller shaft and pinion companion
flange reference marks. Install the companion flange
bolts. Tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the wheels and tires.
(11) Add gear lubricant, if necessary. Refer to
Specifications for lubricant requirements.
(12) Remove lifting device from axle and lower the
vehicle.
ADJUSTMENTS
Ring and pinion gears are supplied as matched
sets only. The identifying numbers for the ring and
pinion gear are etched into the face of each gear (Fig.
4). A plus (+) number, minus (±) number or zero (0) is
etched into the face of the pinion gear. This number
is the amount (in thousandths of an inch) the depth
varies from the standard depth setting of a pinion
etched with a (0). The standard setting from the cen-
ter line of the ring gear to the back face of the pinion
is 147.625 mm (5.812 in.). The standard depth pro-
vides the best teeth contact pattern. Refer to Back-
lash and Contact Pattern Analysis Paragraph in this
section for additional information.
Compensation for pinion depth variance is
achieved with select shims. The shims are placed
under the inner pinion bearing cone (Fig. 5).
If a new gear set is being installed, note the depth
variance etched into both the original and replace-
ment pinion gear. Add or subtract the thickness of
the original depth shims to compensate for the differ-
ence in the depth variances. Refer to the Depth Vari-
ance charts.
Note where Old and New Pinion Marking columns
intersect. Intersecting figure represents plus or
minus amount needed.
Note the etched number on the face of the drive
pinion gear (±1, ±2, 0, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers rep-
resent thousands of an inch deviation from the stan-dard. If the number is negative, add that value to the
required thickness of the depth shim(s). If the num-
ber is positive, subtract that value from the thickness
of the depth shim(s). If the number is 0 no change is
necessary. Refer to the Pinion Gear Depth Variance
Chart.
Fig. 4 Pinion Gear ID Numbers
1 - PRODUCTION NUMBERS
2 - PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
3 - GEAR MATCHING NUMBER
Fig. 5 Adjustment Shim Locations
1 - PINION BEARING PRELOAD SHIM
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM
3 - PINION GEAR DEPTH SHIM
3 - 174 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
Original Pinion
Gear Depth
VarianceReplacement Pinion Gear Depth Variance
þ4 þ3 þ2 þ1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
+4+0.008 +0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0
+3+0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001
+2+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002
+1+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003
0+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004
þ1+0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005
þ2+0.002 +0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.006
þ3+0.001 0 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.006 þ0.007
þ40 þ0.001 þ0.002 þ0.003 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.006 þ0.007 þ0.008
PINION DEPTH MEASUREMENT AND ADJUSTMENT
Measurements are taken with pinion cups and pin-
ion bearings installed in housing. Take measure-
ments with a Pinion Gauge Set 6730 and Dial
Indicator C-3339 (Fig. 6).(1) Assemble Pinion Height Block 6739, Pinion
Block 6738 and rear pinion bearing onto Screw 6741
(Fig. 6).
(2) Insert assembled height gauge components,
rear bearing and screw into the housing through pin-
ion bearing cups (Fig. 7).
(3) Install front pinion bearing and Cone 6740
hand tight (Fig. 6).
(4) Place Arbor Disc 6732 on Arbor D-115-3 in posi-
tion in the housing side bearing cradles (Fig. 8).
Install differential bearing caps on Arbor Discs and
snug the bearing cap bolts. Then tighten cap bolts in
a criss-cross pattern to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Arbor Discs 6732 have different step diame-
ters to fit other axle sizes. Pick correct size step for
axle being serviced.
Fig. 6 Pinion Gear Depth Gauge
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - ARBOR
3 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
4 - CONE
5 - SCREW
6 - PINION BLOCK
7 - SCOOTER BLOCK
8 - ARBOR DISC
Fig. 7 Pinion Height Block
1 - PINION BLOCK
2 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 175
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

(5) Assemble Dial Indicator C-3339 into Scooter
Block D-115-2 and secure set screw.
(6) Place Scooter Block/Dial Indicator in position
in the housing so dial probe and scooter block are
flush against the surface of the pinion height block.
Hold scooter block in place and zero the dial indica-
tor face to the pointer. Tighten dial indicator face
lock screw.
(7) With scooter block still in position against the
pinion height block, slowly slide the dial indicator
probe over the edge of the pinion height block.
Observe how many revolutions counterclockwise the
dial pointer travels (approximately 0.125 in.) to the
out-stop of the dial indicator.
(8) Slide the dial indicator probe across the gap
between the pinion height block and the arbor bar
with the scooter block against the pinion height block
(Fig. 9). When the dial probe contacts the arbor bar,
the dial pointer will turn clockwise. Bring dial
pointer back to zero against the arbor bar, do not
turn dial face. Continue moving the dial probe to the
crest of the arbor bar and record the highest reading.
If the dial indicator can not achieve the zero reading,
the rear bearing cup or the pinion depth gauge set is
not installed correctly.
(9) Select a shim equal to the dial indicator read-
ing plus the drive pinion gear depth variance number
etched in the face of the pinion gear (Fig. 4) using
the opposite sign on the variance number. For exam-
ple, if the depth variance is ±2, add +0.002 in. to the
dial indicator reading.
(10) Remove the pinion depth gauge components
from the axle housingDIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD AND GEAR
BACKLASH
Differential side bearing preload and gear backlash
is achieved by selective shims positioned behind the
differential side bearing cones. The proper shim
thickness can be determined using slip-fit dummy
bearings D-346 in place of the differential side bear-
ings and a dial indicator C-3339. Before proceeding
with the differential bearing preload and gear back-
lash measurements, measure the pinion gear depth
and prepare the pinion gear for installation. Estab-
lishing proper pinion gear depth is essential to estab-
lishing gear backlash and tooth contact patterns.
After the overall shim thickness to take up differen-
tial side play is measured, the pinion gear is
installed, and the gear backlash shim thickness is
measured. The overall shim thickness is the total of
the dial indicator reading and the preload specifica-
tion added together. The gear backlash measurement
determines the thickness of the shim used on the
ring gear side of the differential case. Subtract the
gear backlash shim thickness from the total overall
shim thickness and select that amount for the pinion
gear side of the differential (Fig. 10). Differential
shim measurements are performed with axle
spreader W-129-B removed.
SHIM SELECTION
NOTE: It is difficult to salvage the differential side
bearings during the removal procedure. Install
replacement bearings if necessary.
(1) Remove differential side bearings from differ-
ential case.
Fig. 8 Gauge Tools In Housing
1 - ARBOR DISC
2 - PINION BLOCK
3 - ARBOR
4 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCKFig. 9 Pinion Gear Depth Measurement
1 - ARBOR
2 - SCOOTER BLOCK
3 - DIAL INDICATOR
3 - 176 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the axle shaft flange bolts.
(2) Slide the axle shaft out from the axle tube.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the gasket contact surface area on the
flange with an appropriate solvent. Install a new
flange gasket and slide the axle shaft into the tube.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 129 N´m (95 ft.
lbs.).
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(2) Remove brake drum.
(3) Remove the axle shaft.
(4) Remove the lock wedge and adjustment nut.
Use Socket DD-1241±JD to remove the adjustment
nut.
(5) Remove the hub assembly. The outer axle bear-
ing will slide out as the hub is being removed.
(6) Remove inner grease seal and discard. Use
Installer 5064 and Handle C-4171 to drive grease
seal and inner axle bearing from the hub.
(7) Remove the bearing cups from the hub bore.
Use a brass drift, or an appropriate removal tool, to
tap out the cups.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean both axle bearings and inte-
rior of the hub with an appropriate cleaning solvent.
(2) Install the bearing cups. Use Installer 8153
and Handle C-4171 to install the bearing cups.
(3) Apply lubricant to surface area of the bearing
cup.
(4) Install the inner axle bearing in the hub.
(5) Install a new bearing grease seal. Use Installer
8152 and Handle C-4171 to install the grease seal.
(6) Inspect the bearing and seal contact surfaces
on the axle tube spindle for burrs and/or roughness.
Remove all the rough contact surfaces from the axle
spindle. Apply a coating of multi-purpose NLGI,
grade 2, EP-type lubricant to the axle.
CAUTION: Use care to prevent the bearing grease
seal from contacting the axle tube spindle threads
during installation. Otherwise, the seal could be
damaged.
(7) Carefully slide the hub onto the axle.
(8) Install the outer axle bearing.(9) Install the hub bearing adjustment nut. Use
Socket DD-1241±JD to install the adjustment nut.
(10) Tighten the adjustment nut to 163-190 N´m
(120-140 ft. lbs.) while rotating the wheel.
(11) Loosen the adjustment nut 1/8 of-a-turn to
provide 0.001-inch to 0.010-inch wheel bearing end
play.
(12) Tap the locking wedge into the spindle key-
way and adjustment nut. Try to ensure that the lock-
ing wedge is installed into a new position in the
adjustment nut.
(13) Install the axle shaft.
(14) Install the brake drum.
(15) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Scribe a mark on the universal joint, pinion
yoke, and pinion shaft for reference.
(3) Disconnect the propeller shaft from the pinion
yoke. Secure the propeller shaft in an upright posi-
tion to prevent damage to the rear universal joint.
(4) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(5) Remove the brake drums to prevent any drag.
The drag may cause a false bearing preload torque
measurement.
(6) Rotate the pinion yoke three or four times.
(7) Measure the amount of torque necessary to
rotate the pinion gear with a (in. lbs.) dial-type
torque wrench. Record the torque reading for instal-
lation reference.
(8) Hold the yoke with Wrench 6719. Remove the
pinion shaft nut and washer.
(9) Remove the yoke with Remover C-452 (Fig. 22).
(10) Remove the pinion shaft seal with suitable
pry tool or slide-hammer mounted screw.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the seal contact surface in the housing
bore.
(2) Examine the splines on the pinion shaft for
burrs or wear. Remove any burrs and clean the shaft.
(3) Inspect pinion yoke for cracks, worn splines
and worn seal contact surface. Replace yoke if neces-
sary.
NOTE: The outer perimeter of the seal is pre-coated
with a special sealant. An additional application of
sealant is not required.
(4) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal.
(5) Install new pinion shaft seal with an appropri-
ate Installer.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 185

(1) Position Spreader W-129-B with the tool dowel
pins seated in the locating holes. Install the hold
down clamps and tighten the tool turnbuckle finger-
tight.
(2) Install a Pilot Stud C-3288-B at the left side of
the differential housing and attach dial indicator to
the pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the
opposite side of the housing and zero the dial indica-
tor.
(3) Spread the housing enough to install the case
in the housing. Measure the distance with the dial
indicator.
CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.50 mm (0.020 in). If
the housing is over-spread, it could be distorted or
damaged.
(4) Remove the dial indicator.
(5) Install differential into the housing. Tap the
differential case with a rawhide/rubber hammer to
ensure the bearings are seated in housing (Fig. 32).
(6) Remove the spreader.
(7) Install bearing caps in their original locations
(Fig. 33) and tighten bearing cap bolts to 109 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install axle shafts.
(9) Install the hub bearings.
(10) Apply a bead of Mopar Silicone Rubber Seal-
ant or equivalent to the housing cover (Fig. 34).Install the housing cover within 5 minutes
after applying the sealant.
(11) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 47
N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
(12) Refill the differential with Mopar Hypoid
Gear Lubricant or equivalent to bottom of the fill
plug hole. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications for
correct quantity and type.
(13) Install the fill hole plug and tighten to 34 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 31 Pinion Mate Shaft Roll-Pin
1 - PUNCH
2 - PINION MATE SHAFT
3 - MATE SHAFT LOCKPIN
Fig. 32 Differential Case
1 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 33 Bearing Cap Reference
1 - REFERENCE LETTERS
2 - REFERENCE LETTERS
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 189
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(14) Remove support and lower vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKY
The most common problem is a chatter noise when
turning corners. Before removing a Trac-lokyunit
for repair, drain, flush and refill the axle with the
specified lubricant. A container of Mopar Trac-loky
Lubricant (friction modifier) should be added after
repair service or during a lubricant change.
After changing the lubricant, drive the vehicle and
make 10 to 12 slow, figure-eight turns. This maneu-
ver will pump lubricant through the clutches. This
will correct the condition in most instances. If the
chatter persists, clutch damage could have occurred.
DIFFERENTIAL TEST
The differential can be tested without removing the
differential case by measuring rotating torque. Make
sure brakes are not dragging during this measure-
ment.
(1) Place blocks in front and rear of both front
wheels.
(2) Raise one rear wheel until it is completely off
the ground.
(3) Engine off, transmission in neutral, and park-
ing brake off.(4) Remove wheel and bolt Special Tool 6790 or
equivalent tool to studs.
(5) Use torque wrench on special tool to rotate
wheel and read rotating torque (Fig. 35).
(6) If rotating torque is less than 22 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) or more than 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.) on either
wheel the unit should be serviced.
DISASSEMBLY
The Trac-Lokydifferential on this axle has a one-
piece cross shaft and uses one dished disc, regular 5
disc and 7 plates.
NOTE: Pay attention to the clutch pack arrangement
during disassembly. Note the direction of the con-
cave and convex side of the plates and discs.
(1) Mark the ring gear half and cover half for
installation reference (Fig. 36).
(2) Remove case attaching bolts and remove the
button cover half (Fig. 37).
(3) Remove top clutch pack.
(4) Remove top side gear clutch ring.
(5) Remove top side gear.
(6) Remove pinion mate gears and cross shaft.
(7) Remove the same parts listed above from the
ring gear flange half of the case. Keep these parts
with the flange cover half for installation in their
original positions.
ASSEMBLY
The Trac-Lokydifferential for this axle has a one-
piece cross shaft and uses one dished disc, 5 regular
disc and 7 plates for each clutch pack.
NOTE: The clutch discs are replaceable as com-
plete sets only. If one clutch disc pack is damaged,
both packs must be replaced.
Fig. 34 Differential Cover
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
Fig. 35 Trac-lokYTest - Typical
3 - 190 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(13) Remove front pinion bearing cup with
Remover C-4307 and Handle C±4171 (Fig. 47).
(14) Remove rear bearing cup with Remover D-159
and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 48).
(15) Remove rear bearing from the pinion with
Puller/Press C-293-PA and Adapters DD-914-95 (Fig.
49).
Place 4 adapter blocks so they do not damage
the bearing cage.(16) Remove the pinion depth shims from the pin-
ion gear shaft. Record the total thickness of the
depth shims.
Fig. 45 Pinion Yoke Removal
1 - WRENCH
2 - YOKE
3 - REMOVER
Fig. 46 Remove Pinion Gear
1 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 47 Front Bearing Cup Removal
1 - REMOVER
2 - HANDLE
Fig. 48 Rear Bearing Cup Removal
1 - REMOVER
2 - HANDLE
3 - 194 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Apply Mopar Door Ease stick lubricant to out-
side surface of bearing cup. Install the pinion rear
bearing cup with Installer C-4204 and Handle
C-4171 (Fig. 50) and verify cup is seated.
(2) Apply Mopar Door Ease stick lubricant to out-
side surface of bearing cup. Install the pinion front
bearing cup with Installer C-4308 and Handle
C-4171 (Fig. 51) and verify cup is seated.
(3) Install pinion front bearing and oil slinger, if
equipped. Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on
the lip of pinion seal.
(4) Install new pinion seal with an appropriate
installer 8108 (Fig. 52).
NOTE: Pinion depth shims are placed between the
rear pinion bearing cone and pinion gear to achieve
proper ring and pinion gear mesh. If ring and pinion
gears are reused, the pinion depth shim should not
require replacement or adjustment. If the ring and
pinion gears are replaced refer to Adjustments to
select the proper thickness shim.(5) Place the proper thickness pinion depth shim
on the pinion gear.
Fig. 49 Rear Pinion Bearing Removal
1 - PULLER
2 - VISE
3 - PINION SHAFT
4 - ADAPTER BLOCKSFig. 50 Pinion Rear Bearing Cup
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
Fig. 51 Pinion Front Bearing Cup
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 195
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Park Brake Pedal
Assembly
Mounting Bolts/Nuts28 21 250
Hub/Bearing
LD 4x2 Spindle Nut251 185 Ð
Hub/Bearing
HD 4x2 Spindle Nut380 280 Ð
Hub/Bearing
4x4 Hub/Bearing Bolts170 125 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
BASE BRAKES
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes also certain vehicles have four
wheel disc brakes. The front and rear disc brakes
consist of dual piston calipers and ventilated rotors.
The rear brakes are dual brake shoe, internal
expanding units with cast brake drums. The parking
brake mechanism is cable operated and connected to
the rear brake trailing shoes. Power brake assist is
standard equipment. A vacuum operated power brake
booster is used on gas engine vehicles. A hydraulic
booster is used on diesel engine vehicles.
Two antilock brake systems are used on this vehi-
cle. A rear wheel antilock (RWAL) brake system and
all-wheel antilock brake system (ABS). The RWAL
and ABS systems are designed to retard wheel
lockup while braking. Retarding wheel lockup is
accomplished by modulating fluid pressure to the
wheel brake units. Both systems are monitored by a
microprocessor which controls the operation of the
systems.
Installer, Brake Caliper Dust Boot C-4340
Installer, Brake Caliper Dust Boot C-3716-A
Handle C-4171
Cap, Master Cylinder Pressure Bleed 6921
5 - 4 BRAKESBR/BE
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

WARNING
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET LININGS. BREATHING EXCESSIVE
CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS FIBERS CAN
CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM. EXERCISE CARE
WHEN SERVICING BRAKE PARTS. DO NOT CLEAN
BRAKE PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY
DRY BRUSHING. USE A VACUUM CLEANER SPE-
CIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE REMOVAL OF
ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM BRAKE COMPONENTS.
IF A SUITABLE VACUUM CLEANER IS NOT AVAIL-
ABLE, CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE WITH A
WATER DAMPENED CLOTH. DO NOT SAND, OR
GRIND BRAKE LINING UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED
IS DESIGNED TO CONTAIN THE DUST RESIDUE.
DISPOSE OF ALL RESIDUE CONTAINING ASBES-
TOS FIBERS IN SEALED BAGS OR CONTAINERS
TO MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO YOURSELF AND OTH-
ERS. FOLLOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINIS-
TRATION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING, AND
DISPOSITION OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
CAUTION: Never use gasoline, kerosene, alcohol,
motor oil, transmission fluid, or any fluid containing
mineral oil to clean the system components. These
fluids damage rubber cups and seals. Use only
fresh brake fluid or Mopar brake cleaner to clean or
flush brake system components. These are the only
cleaning materials recommended. If system contam-
ination is suspected, check the fluid for dirt, discol-
oration, or separation into distinct layers. Also
check the reservoir cap seal for distortion. Drain
and flush the system with new brake fluid if con-
tamination is suspected.
CAUTION: Use Mopar brake fluid, or an equivalent
quality fluid meeting SAE/DOT standards J1703 and
DOT 3. Brake fluid must be clean and free of con-
taminants. Use fresh fluid from sealed containers
only to ensure proper antilock component opera-
tion.
CAUTION: Use Mopar multi-mileage or high temper-
ature grease to lubricate caliper slide surfaces,
drum brake pivot pins, and shoe contact points on
the backing plates. Use multi-mileage grease or GE
661 or Dow 111 silicone grease on caliper slide pins
to ensure proper operation.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE
SYSTEM
Base brake components consist of the brake shoes,
calipers, wheel cylinders, brake drums, rotors, brake
lines, master cylinder, booster, and parking brake
components.
Brake diagnosis involves determining if the prob-
lem is related to a mechanical, hydraulic, or vacuum
operated component.
The first diagnosis step is the preliminary check.
PRELIMINARY BRAKE CHECK
(1) Check condition of tires and wheels. Damaged
wheels and worn, damaged, or underinflated tires
can cause pull, shudder, vibration, and a condition
similar to grab.
(2) If complaint was based on noise when braking,
check suspension components. Jounce front and rear
of vehicle and listen for noise that might be caused
by loose, worn or damaged suspension or steering
components.
(3) Inspect brake fluid level and condition. Note
that the brake reservoir fluid level will decrease in
proportion to normal lining wear.Also note that
brake fluid tends to darken over time. This is
normal and should not be mistaken for contam-
ination.
(a) If fluid level is abnormally low, look for evi-
dence of leaks at calipers, wheel cylinders, brake
lines, and master cylinder.
(b) If fluid appears contaminated, drain out a
sample to examine. System will have to be flushed
if fluid is separated into layers, or contains a sub-
stance other than brake fluid. The system seals
and cups will also have to be replaced after flush-
ing. Use clean brake fluid to flush the system.
(4) Check parking brake operation. Verify free
movement and full release of cables and pedal. Also
note if vehicle was being operated with parking
brake partially applied.
(5) Check brake pedal operation. Verify that pedal
does not bind and has adequate free play. If pedal
lacks free play, check pedal and power booster for
being loose or for bind condition. Do not road test
until condition is corrected.
(6) Check booster vacuum check valve and hose.
(7) If components checked appear OK, road test
the vehicle.
ROAD TESTING
(1) If complaint involved low brake pedal, pump
pedal and note if it comes back up to normal height.
(2) Check brake pedal response with transmission
in Neutral and engine running. Pedal should remain
firm under constant foot pressure.
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 5
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL (Continued)