|
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. |
| |
|
 |
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. |
| |
|
| |
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. |
| |
|
| |
Back
to Top |
| |
|
| |
Back
to Education |
