If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, there is a brake master cylinder.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to check the brake fluid.

Caution: Do not add brake fluid before checking the level or there could be too much brake fluid. Brake fluid could spill on the hot engine and it can catch fire. You could be burned and the vehicle could be damaged. See "Checking Brake Fluid" in this section.

Checking Brake Fluid

Apply the brake pedal several times with the ignition off. Clean one of the reservoir caps and the area around the cap, and remove it.

The fluid level should be even with the bottom ring of the filler opening. If it is low, add enough fluid to fill the reservoir to the proper level.

What to Add

Use the proper fluid listed in the Maintenance Schedule. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

Caution: With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

Notice: 

The brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When the front brakes are replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required.

Every brake stop, the brakes adjust for wear.

Brake Adjustment on Air Braked Vehicles

The vehicle has automatic slack adjusters. Every brake stop, the brakes automatically adjust for wear. Slack adjusters should never be manually adjusted to correct excessive brake chamber pushrod stroke. Excessive brake chamber pushrod stroke means that the brake system needs to be serviced by a qualified service technician.

Notice: Do not manually adjust automatic slack adjusters. Manual adjustment of the automatic slack adjusters can result in a degradation of the slack adjuster performance over time. If the brake chamber pushrod stroke is out of adjustment, the brake system needs to be serviced by a qualified service technician.

The vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.

Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts. When parts of the braking system are replaced -- for example, when the brake linings wear down and new ones are installed -- be sure to get new approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed.

Hydraulic Brake Pads

Brake pad lining life will vary depending on vehicle application, working environment, equipment maintenance, and style of driving. The brake pad lining wear rate has to be monitored for individual driving habits -- original equipment linings have mechanical wear indicators to help with this. When down to the last 10% of the brake lining, the brake lining wear indicator rubs on the rotor, causing a scratching or chirping sound. When this sound is heard, service to the brake pads is needed. See Scheduled Maintenance.

Aftermarket brake linings might not meet the same stringent requirements as the original equipment linings. Using aftermarket brake linings can affect braking performance, pedal feel, noise, and lining wear.

If the vehicle has air brakes, it is important to get rid of moisture in the system. Moisture will damage the system if it is not removed daily.

There are two ways to do this. One is automatic through the air brake vehicle's air dryer with integral automatic moisture ejector that purges air from the system through a self-contained reservoir. The other way to drain moisture from the air brake system is to manually activate drain valves at each reservoir. Drain the air reservoirs occasionally to be sure the air dryer is working properly.

Drain them at full system pressure. To be sure of full pressure, check the air pressure gage. It should read at least 100 psi (692 kPa).

If the vehicle has air brakes, it will have an air dryer. This collects and removes dirt, moisture, or other foreign matter from the air prior to entering the brake system. The air dryer also serves as a moisture ejector. It automatically ejects the moisture when the compressor cycles. The integral purge tank has a manual drain valve that must be drained every day. See "Air Brake Systems" for the manual drain procedure. The dryer is mounted on the driver side frame rail.

The dryer has a filter that needs changing at intervals. See Scheduled Maintenance for more about servicing this filter.

The vehicle might have an electric air compressor. This compressor is used to run options that require pressurized air, such as air horn or air seat.

The air compressor is used when vehicles do not have an air brake system.

The air supply for this system must be maintained by releasing the drain valve to eject any moisture that could have built up in the system.

It is recommended that this system be drained on a weekly basis.

Normal clutch pedal free play is 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) measured from the floorboard. If the free play is less than 1.25 inches (32 mm), adjustment is required.