Sure Stop Brake Pressure Gauge Kit - Product Review

Whether they are diving at an apex or exiting a freeway off-ramp, automobiles rely on a hydraulic braking system to dissipate their forward velocity. Except from adverse road conditions, a car that suddenly pulls to the right or left is probably in dire need of a brake service.

But what if the fluid is clean, topped off and void of air bubbles? And suppose the brake pads check out and the discs or drums are at their finest? Diagnosing a troubled brake system when its critical components are up to par can be as frustrating as, well, figuring out a short circuit in a Lucas electrical system.

With the Sure Stop Brake Pressure Gauge Kit, however, the system can be scrutinized down to the individual caliper. Employing a special high-pressure gauge along with six adapter fittings to match both domestic and foreign systems, the kit allows testing of the master cylinder, brake lines and the individual brake cylinders and/or calipers.

By replacing the bleeder screw with the gauge and correct adapter, and then having someone engage the braking system, the hydraulic pressure can be evaluated at each corner of the car. If the entire system is low-the kit's instructions state anything below 600 psi will not stop a vehicle-the problem is with the master cylinder.

If the pressure is uneven from one side of the car to the other, damaged lines or collapsed flex hose may be the culprit. Of course, there is always a bias between the front and rear brakes The kit's instructions say a non-power-assisted system likely produces 1,200 to 1,400 psi in the front and 600 to 1,200 psi at the rear.

Although a bit messy to use-be sure to have plenty of brake cleaner and shop rags on hand-the kit is not only a must in tracking down problems but a necessity when installing any type of modification, update or when adjusting proportioning valves. Price: $79.95.