Monroe's Technical Support will help you find answers to the most frequently asked product and installation questions and provide invaluable technical training information. If your vehicle exhibits any abnormal brake conditions, visit a certified Monroe Brakes® Expert and request a Safety Triangle™ inspection.
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
Monroe Brakes® endorse and adhere to the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) Standards of Service. These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the vehicle's brake system be made and the results communicated to the customer according to industry standards. Monroe recommends participating shops utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards as part of the inspection process and for communicating their findings to their customers.
Monroe® recommends complete brake jobs include inspecting all internal hydraulic parts of the wheel cylinders and disc calipers as defined below. Performance testing for internal bypass is important and external hydraulic leaks fall under the Vehicle Safety Act. Monroe® recommends that brake lathes be indexed and serviced as per the owners manual.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENT, SEE THE LIST AND TECHNICAL CHARTS BELOW.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications designate replacement at different thicknesses. It is required that friction material be matched in axle sets for consistent braking characteristics. Monroe® recommends using an OE-approved brake line locking device.
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Monroe® recommends caliper inspection and/or repair/replacement for every brake job. You are not required to replace or rebuild calipers in axle sets. However, when replacing or rebuilding a caliper due to existing conditions, you may suggest servicing, rebuilding, or replacement of the other caliper (on the same axle) for improved performance and preventive maintenance. (For example, the part is close to the end of its useful life, and replacing the caliper may extend pad life or contribute to more balanced braking).
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Rotor Reconditioning (machining)
Friction material replacement does not require rotor reconditioning unless other justifications exist. Monroe® recomends rotor reconditioning if they exceed factory specifications in 1) lateral run-out, 2) thickness variations, 3) have a groove in excess of .060 inch. It is not necessary to replace rotors in axle sets. However, when replacing or reconditioning a rotor due to the existing conditions, you may suggest reconditioning of the other rotor on the same axle to eliminate uneven braking behavior. Determine the need to replace based upon the individual rotor conditions that follow. Reconditioning is defined as machining and block sanding, or block sanding only. Block sanding is defined as using 120-150 grit sandpaper with moderate to heavy force for 60 seconds per side. Monroe® recommends a non-directional (swirl) finish that creates a surface roughness (Ra) that meets the OE standard. Always wash rotors after servicing or before installing. (See disc rotor washing).
Disc Rotor Lateral Run-Out
Disc rotor lateral run-out is defined as the measurement of deviation of a surface from its plane. This measurement needs to be taken with a dial indicator in the appropriate manner. Any excessive run-out needs to be corrected, but not necessarily through rotor reconditioning. Disc rotor lateral run-out should be checked during the inspection process and confirmed, once the rotor is replaced on the vehicle. Do not recondition new rotors unless they are being pressed or bolted onto an existing hub.
Disc Rotor Washing
The quality of today's drums and rotors require removal of any and all dust, particles and/or residues. Residual contaminants may be present from reconditioning or shipping. Monroe® recommends removing contaminants with detergent, warm water and a clean cloth. CAUTION: Shop towels are chemically treated and may leave a residue that will result in glazing.
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When replacing or repacking wheel bearings, grease seal replacement is required. You are not required to replace these components in axle sets. Determine the need to replace based upon the individual component conditions.
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Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications designate replacement at different thicknesses. It is required that friction material be matched in axle sets for consistent braking characteristics.
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Self-Adjusting Systems: Monroe® recommends replacing hardware with every service.
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Determine the need to recondition based upon individual drum conditions that follow. Friction material replacement does not require drum reconditioning unless other justifications exist. Do not recondition new drums unless they are being pressed or bolted onto an existing hub. It is not necessary to replace drums in axle sets. However, when replacing or reconditioning a drum due to the conditions that follow, you may suggest reconditioning of the other drum on the same axle to eliminate uneven braking behavior. Always wash drums with warm soapy water and a clean cloth after servicing or before installing.
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You are not required to replace or rebuild wheel cylinders in axle sets. However, when rebuilding or replacing a wheel cylinder due to the conditions that follow, you may suggest rebuilding or replacement of the other wheel cylinder (on the same axle) for preventive maintenance, for example, the part is close to the end of its useful life. Determine the need to rebuild or replace based upon the individual wheel cylinder conditions.
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The parking brake is an integral part of the brake system. It is important that the parking brake function properly when brake service is performed. By law the parking brake must sustain a vehicle from moving on the equivalency of a 6% grade. Monroe® recommends servicing, cleaning and adjusting all parking brakes including rear drum, rear disc with shoe or actuating caliper piston, front disc and hydro-electric parking brakes. Parking brake must operate to manufacturer's specifications.
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Most manufacturers prohibit the use of DOT 5 brake fluid in a system equipped with ABS. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 brake fluids are clear or light amber in color. DOT 5 fluid is violet in color. Correct fluid type is stamped on the master cylinder cover. Monroe® recommends using dip strips to detect copper sulfides.
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Inspect and replace and/or repair as necessary.
When diagnosing a problem with the ABS, Monroe® recommends first inspecting and repairing the brake system as if it were non-ABS controlled. Electrical problems are diagnosed using the vehicle's on board diagnostics. Refer to the O.E. service manual.
Every Monroe Brakes installation should include inspection of the speed sensors and modules. This accounts for approximately 80% of all ABS failures which may or may not cause an ABS light to activate. Refer to O.E. specifications.
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For conditions noted, also check condition of wheel stud holes. CAUTION: Proper lug nut torque is essential. Follow manufacturer's torque specifications and tightening sequence. Monroe® recommends the use of a "click" type torque wrench or torque stick. DO NOT lubricate threads unless specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
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Monroe® Brakes includes high quality lubricant to be used with the shims. Be sure to coat both sides of the shim with the included lubricant. Monroe® recommends lubricating all metal-to-metal contacts with a molybdenum-disulfide (moly-lube) to reduce noise. Lubricant must always be applied to caliper sliding surfaces. CAUTION: Any lubrication contacting a rubber surface should be done with a di-electric silicone.
Proper break in is one of the most important factors in determining brake pad performance. Proper break in during the final test drive seats the pads for optimum performance. Monroe® recommends 15 to 20 gentle stops from 20 mph. Monroe® Brakes' positive molding technology does not require burnishing. Advise the customer to avoid hard stops for the first week.
Some states may have specifications that differ from OEM. Check your local/state regulations. Where state or local laws are stricter, they take precedence over these guidelines.
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