General information and precautions
General information
The braking system is of four-wheeled hydraulic type, with discs at the front and drums at the rear. The hydraulic system is of dual-circuit type, each circuit controls one front brake and one rear brake linked diagonally.
The front brake calipers are of single piston, sliding piston housing type. The rear brakes are of leading and trailing shoe design with a self adjusting mechanism. To compensate for the greater lining of wear of the leading shoe, its friction lining is thicker than that on the trailing shoe.
The master cylinder incorporates a reservoir cap which has a fluid level switch connected to a warning lamp on the instrument panel. A vacuum servo is standard on certain models. When fitted to RHD versions, because of the location of the servo/master cylinder on the left-hand side of the engine compartment, the brake pedal is operated through a transverse rod on the engine compartment rear bulkhead.
A brake pressure regulating control valve is fitted into the hydraulic circuit to prevent rear wheel locking under conditions of heavy braking.
The floor-mounted handbrake control lever operates through cables to the rear wheels only.
Precautions
Warning 1: Hydraulic fluid is poisonous; wash off immediately and thoroughly in the case of skin contact and seek immediate medical advice if any fluid is swallowed or gets into the eyes. Certain types of hydraulic fluid are inflammable and may ignite when allowed into contact with hot components; when servicing any hydraulic system it is safest to assume that the fluid is inflammable and to take precautions against the risk of fire as though it is petrol that is being handled. Hydraulic fluid is also an effective paint stripper and will attack plastics; if any is spilt, it should be washed off immediately using copious quantities of fresh water. Finally, it is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from the air) - old fluid may be contaminated and unfit for further use. When topping-up or renewing the fluid, always use the recommended type and ensure that it comes from a freshlyopened sealed container.
Warning 2: When working on the brake components, take care not to disperse brake dust into the air, or to inhale it, since it may contain asbestos which is injurious to health.