Breathing asbestos dust is hazardous to your health. Dust and dirt present on brake assemblies may contain asbestos fibers that are hazardous to your health when made airborne by dry brushing or cleaning with compressed air. Dust and dirt should be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner recommended for use with asbestos fibers, and should be disposed of in a manner that prevents dust exposure. If cleaning by vacuuming is not possible, work on brake assemblies should be done in a well-ventilated area using an approved toxic-dust respirator.

Checking fluid level
See Figures 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22

Clean, high quality brake fluid is essential to the safe and proper operation of the brake system. You should always buy the highest quality brake fluid that is available. If the brake fluid becomes contaminated, drain and flush the system, then refill the master cylinder with new fluid. Never reuse brake fluid. Any brake fluid that is removed from the system should be discarded.

The most important item in brake system maintenance is periodic checking of the brake fluid level. Check the level at least once a month, more often if possible.

Before checking the level, carefully wipe off the master cylinder cover to remove any dirt or water that would fall into the reservoir. Then remove the retaining clip (sometimes a bolt) and cap. The fluid level should be kept about 1/4 inch (6mm) from the top on cylinders that are not marked. On cylinders that are marked, simply keep the fluid up to the specified line. If the master cylinder needs fluid, add heavy-duty brake fluid meeting DOT 3 or 4 specifications.

Be very careful not to spill brake fluid on paint. It is very corrosive and will destroy paint.

While a certain amount of fluid loss over a long period is normal, if you find you are continually adding fluid, obviously something is wrong with your brake system, and you should have it checked. The color of the brake fluid can also warn of trouble. The fluid should not appear overly dark or have a "burned" appearance. If it does, something is probably wrong, but this doesn't happen very often.

Brake fluid will deteriorate with age. Buy only as much as you need, and store it in a cool dark place in a tightly capped container.

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