How to adjust the brakes?
2 Answers
If the free travel of the brake pedal gradually increases, stop the car and press the brake pedal firmly to restore it. If the free travel of the brake pedal is inherently large from the factory, there is only one place to adjust it: there is an adjustment screw on the push rod between the vacuum booster and the brake master cylinder.
I think it's necessary to check the brakes every time during routine maintenance, mainly for driving safety. After driving for a long time, uneven wear on the brake pads or loose lines can easily cause sluggishness, making the pedal feel less responsive. First, use a jack to stabilize the car securely—operating on level ground feels safer. Before checking, test the pedal feel; if it's too soft, there might be insufficient brake fluid or air bubbles, which requires a professional shop to handle. For adjustments, disc brakes usually don’t need frequent tweaking, but drum brakes can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screws yourself—use a wrench gently to avoid damage. Regularly check the thickness; if only one-third remains, it’s time to replace them, otherwise, you risk strange noises or severe heat fade while driving. Last year, I experienced a situation where the brakes failed, and the tires even started smoking—it was terrifying. Since then, I spend some time checking them monthly, which saves a lot of worry. Remember, safety comes first—if you don’t understand something, don’t force it; ask for help instead.
