1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, maintenance, and safe use of the VALEO 601358 Brake Pad Set. Valeo brake pads are engineered to deliver optimal braking performance under various conditions, ensuring a balance of durability, comfort, and safety.
For professional installation, always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's service manual in addition to these instructions.
2. Safety Guidelines
Your safety is paramount. Please read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before proceeding with installation or maintenance.
- Professional Installation Recommended: Brake system components are critical for vehicle safety. Installation should ideally be performed by a qualified mechanic.
- Material Safety: VALEO 601358 Brake Pads are asbestos and copper-free, complying with European legislation and ECE R90 certification standards.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Always verify that these brake pads are compatible with your specific vehicle model and year before installation. Use reliable compatibility tools or consult a professional.
- Brake Fluid: When replacing brake pads, it may be necessary to check and adjust brake fluid levels. Use only brake fluid specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
- Bedding-In Process: After installation, new brake pads require a "bedding-in" period to achieve optimal performance. Follow the bedding-in procedure outlined in Section 4.3.
3. Product Overview and Components
The VALEO 601358 Brake Pad Set is designed for the rear axle of compatible vehicles. Each set includes the necessary components for a complete replacement.
Figure 3.1: Packaging for VALEO Brake Pad Set. The box indicates "Brake Pads" in multiple languages and features the Valeo logo. A QR code is visible on the side, linking to Valeo product information.
3.1 Key Features:
- Premium Quality: Manufactured to OE product standards for durability and performance.
- Easy Installation: Includes necessary accessories and pre-assembled pads for immediate efficiency.
- Safety and Health: Asbestos and copper-free, ECE R90 certified.
3.2 What's in the Box:
- Brake pads (set for one axle)
- Necessary installation accessories (e.g., shims, clips, as applicable)
Figure 3.2: Technical diagram illustrating the design of two Valeo brake pads, showing the backing plate and friction material.
4. Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the performance and safety of your braking system. If you are not experienced with automotive brake repair, it is strongly recommended to seek professional assistance.
4.1 Vehicle Compatibility Check:
Before beginning installation, confirm that the VALEO 601358 Brake Pad Set is compatible with your vehicle. Many online tools, such as Amazon Confirmed Fit, can assist with this verification.
Figure 4.1: Example of using a compatibility tool like Amazon Confirmed Fit to ensure the product fits your vehicle. This image shows a French interface for checking vehicle registration.
4.2 Installation Steps (General Guide):
This is a general guide. Always refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed instructions.
- Prepare Vehicle: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and block the wheels. Loosen lug nuts on the wheels where brake pads will be replaced.
- Lift and Secure: Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheels.
- Remove Caliper: Carefully remove the brake caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose; support it with a wire or hook.
- Remove Old Pads: Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation.
- Clean and Inspect: Clean the caliper bracket and inspect the brake rotor for wear or damage. Replace rotors if necessary.
- Compress Piston: Use a brake caliper piston tool to compress the caliper piston(s) back into the caliper body. This creates space for the new, thicker pads.
- Install New Pads: Install the new VALEO brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring correct orientation. Apply brake grease to contact points as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Reinstall Caliper: Slide the caliper back over the new pads and rotor. Reinstall and torque the caliper bolts to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
- Bleed Brakes (if necessary): If the brake system was opened or air entered, bleeding the brakes will be necessary.
- Reassemble: Reinstall the wheels and torque lug nuts to specifications. Lower the vehicle.
4.3 Bedding-In Procedure:
After installing new brake pads, a proper bedding-in process is essential for optimal performance and longevity. This process transfers a thin layer of friction material to the rotor surface.
- Find a safe, open area with minimal traffic.
- Accelerate to approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and apply moderate braking pressure to slow down to about 5 mph (8 km/h). Do not come to a complete stop.
- Repeat this process 8-10 times, allowing a short cool-down period between each stop.
- After the last stop, drive for several minutes without braking to allow the pads and rotors to cool down completely.
- Avoid hard braking or prolonged braking (e.g., long downhill descents) for the first 200-300 miles (320-480 km) after installation.
5. Operation and Performance
Once properly installed and bedded-in, your VALEO 601358 Brake Pads will provide reliable and consistent braking performance. The pads are designed to offer a balance of durability, comfort, and stopping power.
Always be aware of your vehicle's braking characteristics, especially after new brake component installation. Braking distances may vary depending on road conditions, vehicle load, and driving style.
6. Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of your braking system are vital for safety and performance.
- Routine Inspection: Have your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid inspected during regular vehicle service intervals, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
- Pad Wear: Replace brake pads when the friction material wears down to the minimum thickness specified by your vehicle manufacturer, or when the wear indicator (if present) becomes active.
- Rotor Condition: Inspect brake rotors for excessive wear, scoring, or warping. Replace or resurface rotors as needed.
- Brake Fluid: Check brake fluid level and condition regularly. Replace brake fluid according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
- Cleanliness: Keep brake components free from excessive dirt, dust, and debris.
Figure 6.1: An assortment of Valeo braking system components, including brake pads, rotors, brake shoes, and brake fluid, illustrating the comprehensive range of products available for brake system maintenance.
7. Troubleshooting Common Brake Issues
If you experience any of the following issues, it is recommended to have your braking system inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Squealing/Grinding Noise | Worn pads (wear indicator), foreign object, improper bedding-in, glazed pads/rotors. | Inspect pads for wear, check for debris, re-bed pads, or replace components. |
| Vibration/Pulsation when Braking | Warped brake rotors, uneven pad wear, loose caliper components. | Inspect rotors for runout, check caliper mounting, replace or resurface rotors. |
| Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal | Air in brake lines, low brake fluid, faulty master cylinder, leaking brake line. | Check fluid level, bleed brake system, inspect for leaks, professional diagnosis. |
| Vehicle Pulls to One Side | Sticking caliper, uneven pad wear, contaminated pads, brake hose issue. | Inspect calipers, check pads, professional diagnosis. |
8. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Valeo |
| Model Number | 601358 |
| Material | Metal |
| Auto Part Position | Rear |
| Vehicle Service Type | Vehicle specific |
| Specification Met | ECE R90 |
| Item Weight | 2.16 pounds (approx. 0.98 kg) |
| Product Dimensions | 7.84 x 5.67 x 3.1 inches (approx. 19.9 x 14.4 x 7.9 cm) |
| Number of Items | 1 (set for one axle) |
| GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) | 03276426013581 |
9. Warranty and Support
Valeo products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information regarding your VALEO 601358 Brake Pad Set, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Valeo website.
For technical support, installation queries, or any product-related concerns, please contact Valeo customer service through their official channels. You can often find contact information on the product packaging or the Valeo brand store online.
Visit the Valeo Store on Amazon for more products and information.
