Assembly Instructions (Continued)
•Specified brake hose kits may not work with all Years, Makes and Models of vehicle that this brake kit is applicable to, due to possible
OEM manufacturing changes during a production vehicle's life. It is the installer's responsibility to ensure that all fittings and hoses are
the correct size and length, to ensure proper sealing and that they will not be subject to crimping, strain and abrasion from vibration or
interference with suspension components, brake rotor or wheel.
•In absence of specific instructions for brake line routing, the installer must use his best professional judgment on correct routing and
retention of lines to ensure safe operation. Test vehicle brake system per the 'minimum test' procedure stated within this document
before driving. After road testing, inspect for leaks and interference. Initially after install and testing, perform frequent checks of the
vehicle brake system and lines before driving, to confirm that there is no undue wear or interference not apparent from the initial test.
Afterwards, perform periodic inspections for function, leaks and wear in a interval relative to the usage of vehicle.
• Bleed the brake system. Reference the general information and recommendations below for proper bleeding instructions.
Additional Information and Recommendations
•Please read the following concerning balancing the brake bias on 4 wheel disc vehicles.
This brake kit can be operated using the stock OEM master cylinder. However, as with most suspension and tire modifications
(from OEM specifications), changing the brakes may alter the front to rear brake bias. Rear brakes should not lock up before the
front. Brake system evaluation and tests should be performed by persons experienced in the installation and proper operation of
brake systems. Evaluation and tests should be performed under controlled conditions. Start by making several stops from
low speeds then gradually work up to higher speeds. Always utilize safety restraint systems while operating vehicle.
Use a Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve if necessary to achieve proper brake balance, or
Use a Wilwood brake pedal/balancebar assembly with dual master cylinders (requires custom mounting as used in fabricated
chassis race cars). A balance bar brake system permits incremental front to rear brake pressurea djustments.
•For optimum performance, fill and bleed the new system with Wilwood Hi-Temp° 570 grade fluid or EXP 600 Plus. For severe braking
or sustained high heat operation, use Wilwood EXP 600 Plus Racing Brake Fluid. Used fluid must be completely flushed from the
system to prevent contamination. NOTE: Silicone DOT 5 brake fluid is NOT recommended for racing or performance driving.
•To properly bleed the brake system, begin with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder. Bleed the outboard bleed screw first, then
the inboard. Repeat the procedure until all calipers in the system are bled, ending with the caliper closest to the master cylinder.
NOTE: When using a new master cylinder, it is important to bench bleed the master cylinder first.
•If the master cylinder is mounted lower than the disc brake calipers, some fluid flowback to the master cylinder reservoir may occur,
creating a vacuum effect that retracts the caliper pistons into the housing. This will cause the pedal to go to the floor on the first stroke
until it has “pumped up” and moved all the pistons out against the pad again. A Wilwood in-line two pound residual pressure valve,
installed near the master cylinder will stop the fluid flowback and keep the pedal firm and responsive.
•Test the brake pedal. It should be firm, not spongy and stop at least 1 inch from the floor under heavy load.
If the brake pedal is spongy, bleed the system again.
If the brake pedal is initially firm, but then sinks to the floor, check the system for fluid leaks. Correct the leaks (if applicable) and
then bleed the system again.
If the brake pedal goes to the floor and continued bleeding of the system does not correct the problem, a master cylinder with
increased capacity (larger bore diameter) will be required. Wilwood offers various lightweight master cylinders with large fluid
displacement capacities.
•NOTE: With the installation of after market disc brakes, the wheel track may change depending on the application. Check your wheel
offset before final assembly.
•On some models of disc brake spindles there are “ears” where the OEM calipers were mounted and these “ears” interfere with the
assembly of the Wilwood disc brake kit. If it becomes necessary to remove these “ears”, remove as little as possible being careful not
to cut away any of the mounting holes that may be required to bolt on the caliper mounting bracket.
•If after following the instructions, you still have difficulty in assembling or bleeding your Wilwood disc brakes, consult your local chassis
builder, or retailer where the kit was purchased for further assistance.
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