August 2014 August | Page 3

1. Do not use a screwdriver to push back the caliper piston as it may bend the guide pins and damage the guide pins bushes. It may also puncture the caliper piston dust boot, which ultimately causes the caliper piston to stick. The result being that the inner brake pad will wear faster than the outer brake pad. 2. Invest in a caliper retractor tool kit. 3. 4. 5. 6. When brake pads need changing, the calipers need servicing. This is the only time the opportunity arises to do this. Don’t wait for the guide pins to seize. Invest in a copper based lubricant that can withstand 1100 degree celcius and apply to guide pins and caliper anchors when servicing calipers. Transfer any anti-squeal shims from the old pads to the new ones as these are very expensive. Do not throw them away. Apply a thin layer of copper based lubricant to the anti-squeal shims’ front and back before fitting them onto the new pads. 1. Invest in a brake bleeding kit. This will simplify and shorten the task of bleeding brakes. There are many versions and types available with Textar also having bleeding devices and kits available. 2. Do not pump the brakes when bleeding as it will cause any bubbles to break up into thousands of tiny bubbles which becomes difficult to bleed out. These bubbles get caught in the ABS pump and will cause the ABS light to switch on. 3. Know which circuit to bleed first; e.g. Citi golf, Ford Fiesta Bantam bakkie- rblf-lb-rf, Hyundai Getz- rb-lb-rf-lf, Toyota Hilux D-4D- rb-lb-lf-rf. Always bleed the longest circuit first. Know what braking system the vehicle has. 4. Avoid spilling brake fluid and do not wash spilt brake fluid off with water as the water can penetrate through the breather hole on the the reservoir cap.