Brake system — maintenance (Nissan Bluebird T12)

Note: Brake fluid is an active fluid. If it comes into contact with your skin, it should be washed off immediately with plenty of running water. When adding or changing fluid, always use a good quality fluid of the specified type. Make sure that the fluid is stored in a sealed container. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) - old liquid or liquid that has been open for a long time may be contaminated and become unsuitable for further use.

1. In the points of Section "Maintenance" lists the procedures that must be performed when servicing all components of the brake system.

Checking the brake fluid level

2. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. The level should be in the translucent reservoir between the "Max" and "Min" marks on the reservoir. If the level is below the "Min" line, add fluid (photo).





3. If frequent refueling is required, check the system for any signs of leakage. If any signs of leakage are found, immediately restore the sealing of the insulation or replace the failed element.

4. The fluid level should decrease monotonously as the friction parts of the brake system wear out. If the level drops sharply, it is necessary to immediately carry out diagnostics of the entire system. Note also that there is no need to add fluid to the "Max" mark. It is quite sufficient to maintain the level slightly above the "Min" mark.

General control

5. Visually inspect all system components and ensure that everything is securely fastened. Ensure that all metal hydraulic pipes are not damaged or corroded. Likewise, inspect the handbrake cables and lubricate the cable-housing connections.

6. Check for signs of brake fluid leakage from any component.

Checking the operation and adjusting the brake pedal

7. Check that the pedal moves smoothly and easily throughout its travel. The operation of the vacuum booster can be checked if required as described above.

8. The pedal height is set by the manufacturer and does not require adjustment, but should be checked.

9. Remove the three screws securing the brake pedal. Remove the front bracket on which the pedal is mounted. When adjusting, pay attention to the height of the driver's foot mat. Using Figure 9.3, measure the height of the pedal from the center of the pedal pad to the floor ("H"). If the height is not correct, loosen the lock nut in the clamp below the pedal pivot point, and adjust the vacuum booster input rod to the desired height.





10. If the pedal height is correct, check that the end of the input rod is visible within the clamp (Figure 9.4) and tighten the lock nut, but do not overtighten it; note the torque wrench reading. Install all other components removed.



See the original on the resource: NISSANBOOK.ru

11. To measure the pedal free play, lift the pedal as high as possible. Then the distance between the top position and the position where the pedal starts to spring back will give you the amount of play; see Figure 9.3 (dimension "A"). If the play is greater than expected, then some components of the system are worn out. First of all, check the clamp of the vacuum booster input rod and the pin.



12. Check the correct gap (dimension "C" Figure 9.3) between the end of the brake light switch and the top stop point of the pedal. To adjust the switch setting, loosen the lock nut and disconnect the switch wires, then rotate the switch to adjust the gap. Tighten the nut, but do not overtighten; measure the tightening torque recommended by the Specifications. Reconnect the switch wires and check the operation of both stop lamps.

13. Measure the lower brake pedal height (height "D", Figure 9.3). This is a general check of the brake system condition. If this height is less than the value specified in the Specifications, check the system for leaks or damage to the components of the master cylinder, caliper or wheel cylinders, or perform a bleeding procedure to remove air bubbles from the system.

Checking the operation and adjusting the handbrake

14. Note that the rear brakes are of the self-adjusting type, the only adjustment of the handbrake mechanism is carried out by a cable.

15. The handbrake must provide reliable fixation of the parked car, even on steep slopes. The mechanism must be easy to operate and free from damage. Any damage to the mechanism must be immediately repaired.

16. To check for proper installation, apply the handbrake and set the shoe/drum clearance, then release the lever fully. If the number of clicks is greater than the specifications, then adjustment is required.

17. To adjust the handbrake cable length, first inspect the cable and its housing. On early models, the cable length adjuster has a slot for a screwdriver at the top end and is secured with a lock nut. If a socket wrench is not suitable for loosening or tightening the lock nut with the bracket attached, remove the bracket first to make the adjustment using common tools (Figure 9.5)On later models, adjustment is made using a socket wrench or socket. To adjust, loosen the lock nut (on early models) and adjust the gap by turning the regulator.









18. When the lever is adjusted correctly, lock the regulator lock nut (only on early models), tighten the handbrake and take up the slack in the cable.



19. Make sure that the rear wheels are fully locked when the lever is in the tightened position and rotate freely when the lever is fully released.

Checking brake pads and discs

20. See Chapters 12, 15, 23 and 26 from this Section.

Checking brake shoes and drums

21. See Chapters 18 and 21 from this Section.

Replacing brake fluid

22. Brake fluid should be changed at specific intervals to prevent contamination from moisture and dirt. Regular fluid changes will also extend the life of the master cylinder and caliper/wheel components by minimizing corrosion.

23. First remove the master cylinder reservoir cap and examine the fluid. If it is dark and dirty, with a significant amount of sediment at the bottom of the reservoir, drain the fluid from the reservoir and wipe it using a lint-free cloth.

24. Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap, check the condition of the fluid. If it is dark and dirty, with a significant amount of sediment at the bottom, pump out the fluid and wipe the reservoir with a lint-free cloth. Then add new fluid to the "Max" level.

25. When changing the fluid, it is recommended to gently pump the brake pedal until all the old fluid is removed. Once all the old fluid is out, refill the master cylinder with clean fluid and pump the pedal again until the new fluid enters the system. Once the system is refilled, perform the bleeding procedure to remove any air bubbles.

26. Since the old fluid is darker in color than the new fluid, the recommended procedure can be accelerated by pumping the brake pedal to force all the old fluid out of the system, emptying the master cylinder reservoir and simultaneously topping up to the "Max" level with new fluid until the new fluid fills the reservoir.



27. After performing the bleeding operation, flush all parts from any accidentally dropped fluid. Check all the hose dust caps for leaks and check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Check the brake operation before testing the car in motion. If the pedal is soft, air may still be present in the system and should be removed immediately.

Checking the vacuum booster hose, connections and check valve

28. Checking the vacuum booster and check valve has been described above. If there is uncertainty about their condition, both components should be checked immediately.

29. Check the condition of the large vacuum hose that connects the booster to the intake manifold. It should be replaced immediately if there are cracks or any damage. Check that all connections are securely fastened and that the clamps and clips are in good condition.