Maintaining your AP racing brake kit is essential for ensuring your braking system’s longevity and optimal performance. A few simple steps can extend its life and allow it to enjoy safe and reliable braking for years.
Wondering how to maintain your AP racing brake kit without hassles? This article has got you covered.
1. Inspect Regularly
Regular inspections are crucial to identify potential issues with your AP racing brake kit before they become significant problems. Inspect the brake rotors, pads, callipers, lines, and fluid levels regularly to spot signs of wear or damage. Look out for uneven wear patterns on the brake pads and any leakage in the lines or callipers, and measure the thickness of your brake rotors.
2. Clean Thoroughly
Cleaning your AP racing brake kit is an essential part of maintenance. Start by removing excess dust and debris from the brakes using a soft brush or compressed air. Make sure to clean all parts thoroughly, but avoid getting any cleaning agents on rubber components as they might deteriorate.
3. Lubricate Appropriately
Lubrication is vital in preventing squeaking or sticking brakes while ensuring smooth operation. As the manufacturer recommends, apply a suitable high-temperature silicone-based lubricant to all sliding pins and contact points. Lubrication is a great tip for maintaining your vehicles.
4. Handle with Care
When handling your AP racing brake kit components, always exercise caution and handle them carefully. Resisting rough handling and impacts will help prevent damage that could compromise braking performance down the road.
5. Periodically Bed-In New Pads/Rotors
Whenever you install new brake pads or rotors, it’s crucial to properly bed them in before subjecting them to aggressive driving conditions. Bedding-in allows for uniform transfer layers on both the pad material and rotor surface, enhancing overall braking efficiency.
6. Follow OEM Recommendations
Follow OEM recommendations provided with your AP racing brake kit for specific instructions regarding pad choice, rotor resurfacing limits, fluid specifications, and replacement intervals. These guidelines are designed to optimise the performance of your braking system and enhance its longevity.
7. Maintain Fluid Levels and Perform Flushing
Maintaining the correct brake fluid level and quality significantly affects your braking system’s performance. Regularly check the fluid level and ensure it remains within the recommended range. Performing a complete brake flush at suggested intervals helps remove potentially harmful contaminants and maintain optimal braking efficiency.
8. Schedule Professional Inspections
While regular inspections by yourself are beneficial, it is also important to schedule periodic professional inspections for a more thorough analysis of your brake kit’s condition. Brake specialists have expertise in identifying subtle warning signs that amateur inspectors may not immediately notice.
9. Don’t Forget the Brake Lines
While inspecting and maintaining your brake kit, it’s essential not to overlook the brake lines. Inspect the lines for any signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage. Ensure the lines are properly secured and free from any obstructions or damage. Replace any damaged or deteriorated lines to maintain the integrity of your braking system.
10. Proper Storage
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period, taking extra steps to protect your AP racing brake kit is crucial. Clean and dry the brakes thoroughly to prevent any moisture from causing corrosion. Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to prevent rust from developing on exposed surfaces. Use jack stands or wheel chocks to relieve pressure on the brake components and avoid flat spots on the tyres.
11. Seek Professional Help for Complex Maintenance Tasks
While many maintenance tasks related to your brake kit can be done at home, specific procedures may require professional assistance due to their complex nature. For example, suppose you need to overhaul or rebuild callipers or replace significant components like brake master cylinders or ABS modules. In that case, it’s advisable to consult a certified mechanic with expertise in high-performance brake systems.
Conclusion
Taking care of your AP racing brake kit is vital for longevity and performance. Regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, appropriate handling, bedding in new pads/rotors, following OEM recommendations, maintaining fluid levels, and scheduling professional inspections are essential steps in ensuring optimal safety on the road. Implementing these maintenance practices allows you to keep your kit in top shape for extended periods.