UPDATE
Collected the car a 2003 1.2 8v Doblo.
Loosened all the wheels, then up on the lift.
Removed all the wheels, as I plan to replace the existing brake fluid with new dot 4.
With a torch, I located the inspection hole on the face of the brake drum. Looking through
hole I could see the gap between the brake shoe face and the face of the brake drum.
The drivers rear side was more of a gap, than compared with the passengers side. Checked
the wheel cylinders were moving independently of each other, no seizing.
Next, I adjusted the self adjuster so that the brake shoes were as close too the drum,
without serious binding, but with a hint of a scuff sound. Then pressed the brake pedal a few
times, to centralize the shoes, and rechecked the gap again by revolving the wheel.
Then did the same procedure to the passenger side, until I was happy with the gap.
I must mention at this point, a year ago, I replaced the brake shoes, wheel cylinders,
and got the rear drums skimmed, on both sides. So little work was required this time.
Next, checked the handbrake was loose as reported by the tester at NCT.
Removed the inspection cover located between front seats on floor. Once removed I could see
that the13mm bolt holding down the handbrake mechanism had become loose.This aloud
lateral movement of the whole handbrake assembly. Tightened it up, and all loose play now
gone. Next checked the operation of the handbrake cables. Lifted to one notch, and see
if the rear drums were tightening up. They were, and both had the same resistance.
Happy days.
Next, got out the one man brake bleeding kit. Connected it up, raised the bottle pressure
then bled each wheel in turn, starting from the rear working my way to the front.
After putting back on the wheel, stared up the car, pulled the handbrake, put her in first gear,
and see if it would move forward.................................No Way!!!
Out on the road with a clear view of no traffic around, I applied the brake a good few times
and some emergency braking as well. Got back to the house, put my hand on the rear
wheels to see if there was any real heat, but no just warm. Rechecked the level at the reservoir,
and all was well. I'll keep an eye on it over the next day or to, just to make sure all is well.
The next job on Monday is to remove EGR valve on my dads car. Fiat Doblo 2005 1.3 multijet.
First time to tackle this job, I have a spare one here including the solenoid.
Regarding the spare one, I removed the solenoid body from the EGR valve housing, and gave
the EGR housing
a good cleaning until it looked like new. Valve moves open and close with ease.
I notice that the solenoid wire plug connector has 2 pins inside. Can I put a 12volt battery
across the pins to make sure the solenoid itself operates properly, or would I do damage.
Maybe I should put this query on a new thread. If I don't get any replies, that's what I'll do.
Thanks for looking.
John.
