North Wing S-LSA Maintenance Manual
Model: Scout 912
Version 3.2
Release date 04-16-2014
Page 43
Adjusting Brake Pedal Movement
For systems with a master cylinder fluid reservoir (Matco master cylinder), as the brake pads
wear, fluid is drawn from the reservoir and the amount of fluid in the lines increases to
compensate for the wear. In most cases, these systems do not require pad adjustments. To put
fluid in the reservoir, follow the instruction for the Matco brake system in the next section
(4.3.6).
For systems without the fluid reservoir, as the brake pads wear, the brake pedal will have to
travel farther to compensate for the wear. At some point, the wear will be sufficient that the
pedal will travel too far and become ineffective at braking. The best fix for this is to upgrade
the brake system by adding the Matco master cylinder with reservoir kit. However, there are
two other ways to compensate for this. Shims, available from North Wing, can be inserted on
the calipers behind the pads to hold the pads closer to the rotor, thus resulting in less brake
pedal travel and more braking pressure. A second method is to pressurize the brake lines after
bleeding them to push the wheel caliper out somewhat. Doing this moves the pad closer to the
rotor when the pedal is completely retracted. Consequently, the pedal does not have to move
as far to achieve effective braking. This is done by simply pumping more fluid into the lines
using the pump oil can used for bleeding and watching the pads move slowly toward the rotor.
When the pads are close to the rotor, but not putting pressure on the rotor itself, stop pumping,
shut off the bleed valves, and remove the bleed hoses.
4.3.6 MATCO Brake System: Replace Pads, Calipers, Bleed/Adjust Brakes
The Matco brake system includes the wheel cylinders, brake calipers and pads, a master
cylinder, a fluid reservoir, and brake lines. Because of the fluid reservoir, the Matco brakes do
NOT require pedal adjustments or bleeding except for the initial charging of the brake lines.
Master cylinder with fluid
reservoir