When focusing on brakes, the critical issue is driver and passenger safety, says Rozone. Poorly maintained braking systems are not only dangerous but can be costly if regular service intervals are missed. Brake discs and calipers can be damaged, and tyres exposed to unnecessary wear and tear.
When it comes to brake servicing, corners cannot be cut. Technicians need a safe, efficient and non-hazardous process to clean and bleed braking systems. Many methods in use across independent workshops involve time consuming processes, aggressive solvents and overspray inhalation.
These methods can have a negative environmental impact and can be unpleasant for technicians to use in the workplace. Exposure to brake dust is a known hazard. Inhalation of these particles can damage employee’s health, so it is vital to prevent dust becoming airborne when servicing brakes.
Traditional, brake cleaning involves aerosol brake cleaners which are expensive and contain aggressive solvents. These are not good to breathe and release harmful VOCs, which are not good for the environment. There is also a potential slip hazard from brake cleaner overspray on the workshop floor and they produce hazardous waste in the form of aerosol canisters and dirty rags – both of which need to be disposed of properly.
Proprietary air-powered brake washers – such as that from Rozone – stop brake dust from being dispersed into the atmosphere by saturating the brakes with non-hazardous aqueous-based cleaning solution. They are a great safe alternative to solvents, and easy to use.
Servicing brakes can be costly and such a vital element of a vehicle’s maintenance must be done accurately, otherwise the safety of a car will be affected. Old brake fluid becomes discoloured as it takes on contaminants from the environment and dirt, air and water can cause major issues in a vehicle’s braking system. By replacing the brake fluid at the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals (usually every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first) these contaminants are kept to a minimum and a vehicle’s braking performance will be like new.
The best bleeder technology available for brake (and clutch) servicing jobs enable technicians to fulfil brake servicing tasks safely, faster and more efficiently. This saves both time and money. Mobile units only need one-person to operate them and in around five minutes, a brake and clutch fluid change will be achieved, quickly, safely and easily. As they work electronically, no compressed air is needed.
In the case of appliances such as Rozone’s SE14 Brake Bleeder, brake fluid is pumped from the tank into a master cylinder fluid reservoir fitted with a special quick-lock adapter. When the electric pump is switched on, pressure in the tank builds up slowly to prevent the brake fluid from churning. The flow flushes and vents the smallest of air and moisture locks and any dirt and debris out of the hydraulic system for a complete flush and bleed. The integrated shut-off valve allows a leakage test to be performed after repair of the brake or clutch system.
Fluid levels are monitored using a floater valve. On reaching the minimum fluid level of 1.5 litres, the pump automatically shuts off to avoid air being inadvertently pumped into the hydraulic system. An audible buzzer or traffic light system warns the operator of low fluid level.
Rozone’s Pentosin and DOT brake machines are colour-coded to de-risk any cross contamination if workshops handle both fluids. The Romess range is specially designed to hold 30L and 60L cans of fluid, to avoid the risk of decanting. This saves time at the fill stage and also when disposing of packaging waste.
The Rozone BCE500 Brake Washer
The Rozone BCE500 Brake Washer is a mobile, air-powered cleaning system. Bright yellow, it’s easy to spot in a busy workshop, and made of roto-moulded plastic to limit any damage if bumped into a vehicle. It comes with all the attachments needed for a quick, easy clean – including an air blade to dry the brakes off. Removing the risk of corrosion. The unit can be wheeled directly under a vehicle on scissor ramps, so the cleaning fluid falls straight back into the sink. It can also be used on standard ramps, and a tray is provided to sit on the ramp under the brakes and catch the cleaning solution before it is poured back into the sink. Either way there is no need to remove the brake drum – all cleaning can be carried out in-situ without the dismantling, lifting and carrying of heavy parts.
