9-23Brake AdjustmentEvery time the brakes are applied,with or without the vehicle moving,the brakes adjust for wear.Replacing Brake System PartsThe braking system on a vehicle iscomplex. Its many parts have to be oftop quality and work well together ifthe vehicle is to have really goodbraking. The vehicle was designedand tested with top-quality brakeparts. When parts of the brakingsystem are replaced, be sure to getnew, approved replacement parts. Ifthis is not done, the brakes might notwork properly. For example, installingdisc brake pads that are wrong forthe vehicle, can change the balancebetween the front and rear brakes —for the worse. The brakingperformance expected can change inmany other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts areinstalled.Brake FluidThe brake master cylinder reservoiris filled with DOT 3 brake fluid asindicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine Compartment Overview onpage 9-6 for the location of thereservoir.There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir mightgo down:• The brake fluid level goes downbecause of normal brake liningwear. When new linings areinstalled, the fluid level goes backup.• A fluid leak in the brake hydraulicsystem can also cause a low fluidlevel. Have the brake hydraulicsystem fixed, since a leak meansthat sooner or later the brakes willnot work well.Do not top off the brake fluid. Addingfluid does not correct a leak. If fluid isadded when the linings are worn,there will be too much fluid whennew brake linings are installed. Addor remove brake fluid, as necessary,only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system.When the brake fluid falls to a lowlevel, the brake warning light comeson. See Brake System Warning Lighton page 4-23.{ WARNINGIf too much brake fluid is added, itcan spill on the engine and burn, ifthe engine is hot enough. You orothers could be burned, and thevehicle could be damaged. Addbrake fluid only when work is doneon the brake hydraulic system.srx.book Page 23 Monday, June 8, 2009 8:28 AM
