The brake system is actually composed of two kinds of
systems---Hydraulics and Friction Materials. Here's what
happens within these systems between the time your foot hits
the brake pedal and your car stops.
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Hydraulics
Master
Cylinder
When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the master
cylinder creates hydraulic pressure which pushes brake fluid
to the wheel brakes.
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Brake Lines and Hoses
Steel brake lines and high pressure rubber hoses are the
avenues through which the pressurized brake fluid
travels.
Wheel Cylinders and Calipers
These are the hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to
the friction materials, causing your car to stop. |
Friction Materials
Disc Brake Pads
and Drum Brake Shoes
These brake linings are composed of high temperature
materials that create the friction that stops your
car.
Types of Brakes
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is
attached to the wheel, and a Caliper, which holds the Disc
Brake Pads. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder
causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor
between the Disc Brake Pads. This creates friction between
the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or
stop.
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the
wheel, a Wheel Cylinder, Brake Shoes and Brake Return
Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes
the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the
Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum
to slow or stop your car.
Parking Brake
The Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the
brakes (usually the rear brake.) This is used to prevent the
car from rolling when not being driven.
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Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For
Safety
Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are
a recently developed safety feature. When sudden stops are
made, the ABS prevents wheel lock-up. The system is
comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor wheel
rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the
brakes on and off rapidly, and the on-board computer.
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