Service Manual

627333-A 4-1
Brakes
BRAKES
INTRODUTION
m
WARNING: Never operate the vehicle if
there is any brake problem, no matter
how minor. Brakes can fail causing injury
or death.
Non-Asbestos Fibers Warning
FIG. 1:
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WARNING: The following procedures for
servicing brakes are recommended to
reduce exposure to non-asbestos fiber
dust, a cancer and lung disease hazard.
Material Safety Data Sheets are available
from AxleTech.
Hazard Summary
Most recently manufactured brake linings do not
contain asbestos fibers. These brake linings may
contain one or more of a variety of ingredients,
including glass fibers, mineral wool, aramid fibers,
ceramic fibers and silica that can present health risks if
inhaled. Scientists disagree on the extent of the risks
from exposure to these substances. Nonetheless,
exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis, a
non-cancerous lung disease. Silicosis gradually
reduces lung capacity and efficiency and can result in
serious breathing difficulty. Some scientists believe
other types of non-asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can
cause similar diseases of the lung. In addition, silica
dust and ceramic fiber dust are known to the State of
California to cause lung cancer. U.S. and international
agencies have also determined that dust from mineral
wool, ceramic fibers and silica are potential causes of
cancer.
Accordingly, workers must use caution to avoid creating
and breathing dust when servicing brakes. Specific
recommended work practices for reducing exposure to
non-asbestos dust follow. Consult your employer for
more details.
FIG. 1
q000161s