Upgrading the brakes on your Suzuki Carry is one of the best ways to enhance safety, performance, and driving comfort. Installing a brake kit from Oiwa Garage is a great way to improve the overall braking efficiency of your vehicle, whether you're looking to increase stopping power, reduce fade, or extend the lifespan of your brake components.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step installation process for Oiwa Garage Brake Kits on a Suzuki Carry. This process is designed for anyone with basic mechanical knowledge, but if you're not comfortable with any part of the installation, it's always a good idea to seek professional help.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- Oiwa Garage Brake Kit (brake pads, rotors, and calipers)
- Car Jack and Jack Stands (or a vehicle lift)
- Lug Wrench
- Socket Wrench Set
- Brake Fluid
- C-Clamp or Brake Caliper Tool
- Brake Cleaner
- Torque Wrench
- Anti-Seize Grease
- Rubber Gloves (for protection)
- Bungee Cord (to secure calipers)
- Old Rags/Newspaper (for protecting surfaces)
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Before starting any brake work, ensure that your Suzuki Carry is securely parked and you have all the necessary tools at hand.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure stability.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels slightly but do not remove them completely.
- Lift the car using a jack and support it with jack stands. Ensure the car is stable before continuing.
- Remove the wheels using a lug wrench.
Step 2: Remove the Old Brake Components
With the wheels removed, you now have access to the brake components. Let’s start by removing the old brake parts.
A. Remove the Brake Caliper:
- Locate the brake caliper that holds the brake pads in place.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts securing the caliper to the bracket.
- Once the caliper is detached, use a bungee cord to hang it from the suspension or steering components—never allow it to dangle by the brake line.
B. Remove the Brake Pads:
- After removing the caliper, the brake pads should be exposed.
- Slide the old brake pads out of their mounts in the caliper bracket.
- Inspect the pads for wear, and ensure that the new Oiwa Garage brake pads match the old ones in size and shape.
C. Remove the Rotors:
- The rotors are typically secured by screws or clips. If your rotor has retaining screws, use a screwdriver or socket wrench to remove them.
- Once any securing hardware is removed, pull the rotor off the wheel hub. If the rotor is stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it.
Step 3: Install the New Brake Components
Now that the old components are removed, you can start installing your Oiwa Garage Brake Kit.
A. Install the New Rotor:
- Place the new rotor onto the wheel hub and make sure it is seated properly. It should fit flush against the hub without any gaps.
- If your rotor comes with screws, secure it with the retaining screws or clips (if applicable).
B. Install the New Brake Pads:
- Apply a small amount of anti-seize grease to the metal contact points on the brake caliper bracket where the brake pads will slide. This will reduce friction and prevent squealing.
- Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly aligned and securely in place.
C. Install the New Caliper:
- Position the caliper over the newly installed brake pads.
- Secure the caliper by tightening the mounting bolts using a socket wrench. Be sure the caliper is aligned correctly and is seated evenly.
Step 4: Compress the Brake Caliper Piston
If you’re replacing the brake pads, the caliper piston may need to be compressed to make room for the new, thicker pads.
- Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to gently push the piston back into the caliper. Do this slowly and evenly to avoid damaging the caliper or the piston.
- Once the piston is fully compressed, check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and top it off if necessary.
Step 5: Reinstall the Wheels
With the new brake components installed, it’s time to put the wheels back on.
- Carefully slide the wheels back onto the wheel hubs.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel bolts to secure the wheel.
- Lower the car by slowly releasing the jack and remove the jack stands.
- Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.
Step 6: Check the Brake Fluid
- Check the brake fluid level again to ensure it’s within the recommended range. If necessary, top up the brake fluid with the appropriate type specified for your Suzuki Carry.
- Inspect the brake lines for any signs of leaks or issues. Tighten any loose connections.
Step 7: Test the Brakes
It’s crucial to check that the brakes are functioning properly before driving the vehicle.
- Pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the brake pads seat correctly on the rotor and the caliper piston is fully engaged.
- Start the vehicle and drive at a slow speed, applying the brakes gently to test for any unusual noises or vibrations.
- Ensure that the car stops smoothly and evenly. If you experience any issues (such as pulling to one side or noise), double-check the installation and brake fluid levels.
Step 8: Break-in Period for New Brakes
New brake pads and rotors typically require a break-in period to properly bed in and achieve maximum performance. Here's how to do it:
- Drive gently for the first 200-300 miles, avoiding hard stops or aggressive braking.
- Allow the brakes to heat up and cool down gradually during the break-in process, which helps to transfer an even layer of friction material to the rotor surface.
- After the break-in period, the braking performance should improve, and your new Oiwa Garage brake kit will be fully operational.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Upgraded Brakes!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your Oiwa Garage Brake Kit on your Suzuki Carry. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve enhanced your vehicle's braking performance, improved safety, and extended the lifespan of your braking components.