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Technical Training

Overview of Service Requirements and Suggestions

MonroeŽ Premium Brake Pads 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.

MonroeŽ 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. MonroeŽ recommends that brake lathes be indexed and serviced as per the owners manual. Click on the brake system component below for more information.

Disc Pads

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. MonroeŽ recommends using an OE-approved brake line locking device. View the technical chart

Disc Calipers

MonroeŽ 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). View the technical chart

Caliper Hardware

MonroeŽ recommends replacing hardware with every service. View the technical chart

Disc Rotor

Rotor Reconditioning (machining)
Friction material replacement does not require rotor reconditioning unless other justifications exist. MonroeŽ 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. MonroeŽ 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. MonroeŽ 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.
View the technical chart

Wheel Bearings, Races and Seals

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. View the technical chart

Brake Shoes

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. View the technical chart

Brake Shoe Hardware

Self-Adjusting Systems: MonroeŽ recommends replacing hardware with every service. View the technical chart

Brake Drums

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. View the technical chart

Wheel Cylinders

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. View the technical chart

Parking Brake Systems

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. MonroeŽ 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. View the technical chart

Power Brake Booster

Hydro-Boosters
Hydro-Electric Boosters
Vacuum Boosters

Master Cylinders

Brake Fluid

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. MonroeŽ recommends using dip strips to detect copper sulfides. View the technical chart

Lines, Hoses, Combination Valves

Steel Brake Lines
Hoses
Valves

Stop Lights

Inspect and replace and/or repair as necessary.

ABS

When diagnosing a problem with the ABS, MonroeŽ 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.

Speed Sensors (Electronic Wheel and Vehicle)

Every MonroeŽ Premium Brake Pad 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. View the technical chart

Wheel Attachment Hardware

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. MonroeŽ recommends the use of a "click" type torque wrench or torque stick. DO NOT lubricate threads unless specified by the vehicle manufacturer. View the technical chart

Lubrication

MonroeŽ Premium Brake Pads includes high quality lubricant to be used with the shims. Be sure to coat both sides of the shim with the included lubricant. MonroeŽ 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.

Bleeding Procedure

Gravity, pressure and vacuum methods are approved by MonroeŽ. Reverse bleeding is not recommended on vehicles with modern brake system technology. A complete understanding of these procedures is required.

Breaking In Your New MonroeŽ Premium Brake Pads

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. MonroeŽ recommends 15 to 20 gentle stops from 20 mph. MonroeŽ Premium Brake Pads' 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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