Understanding your Brake System

To help prevent brake problems or failures, the following regular inspections and maintenance should be performed on your brake system.

Check the fluid levels.
Check the line for rust or punctures. You may be able to do this, but consult a qualified technician if necessary.
Check the brake hoses for brittleness or cracking. This check should be done by a qualified technician.
Check the brake linings and pads for wear, brake fluid or grease. This check should be done by a qualified technician.
Check the wheel bearings and grease seals. This check should be done by a qualified technician.
Adjust the parking brake as required. This adjustment should be done by a qualified technician.

Some signals that may indicate a problem with your brake system are:

Squeals-- caused by excessive heating of brake pads or linings.
Rubbing -- caused by the metal brake rotor rubbing against the metal component of the brake pad. This sound means that the brake pad is completely worn away.
A soft brake pedal indicating that there may be a brake fluid leak or air in the lines.
Brake pull indicating worn linings, stuck pistons in the calipers or wheel cylinders, or saturated linings (caused by grease or brake fluid).