Brake System Fundamentals

Chapter 71

Basic Brake System Brake lines Emergency brake Brake pedal assembly Master cylinder Brake booster Wheel brake assembly • Metal tubing and rubber hose that transmit

pressure to the wheel brake assemblies.

• Mechanical system for applying rear brake

assemblies

• Foot lever for operating the master cylinder and

power booster.

• Hydraulic-piston pump that develops pressure

for the brake system.

• Vacuum or power steering operated device that

assists brake pedal application.

• Devices that use system pressure to produce

friction for slowing or stopping wheel rotation.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Caliper - assembly that holds the cylinder, piston, and brake pads.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Caliper cylinder - machined hole in the caliper; the piston fits into this cylinder.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Brake pads - friction members pushed against the rotor by the action of the master cylinder, caliper cylinder, and piston.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Rotor - metal disc that uses friction from the brake pads to stop or slow wheel rotation.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Wheel cylinder - houses hydraulic pistons that are forced outward by fluid pressure and is found on drum brakes.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Brake shoes - friction units that are pushed against the rotating brake drum by the action of the wheel cylinder assembly.

Drum and Disc Brakes • Brake Drum - rubs against the brake shoes to stop or slow wheel rotation.

Braking Ratio • Typically the front brakes handle 60-70% of the braking power, while the rear brakes handle 30-40% of the braking. Front wheel drive vehicles have even a higher braking ratio at the front wheels.

Brake System Hydraulics

Pascal’s Law

• Liquids in a confined area will not compress, however, air in a confined area will compress.

• When pressure is applied to a closed system, pressure is exerted equally in all directions. • A hydraulic system can be used to increase or decrease force or motion.

Brake System Components • Brake Pedal Assembly - Foot lever for operating the master cylinder and power booster.

Brake System Components • Master Cylinder – • It is a foot operated pump that pumps brake fluid.

• Helps equalize the pressure required for braking.

• Keeps the system full of brake fluid.

• It maintains a slight pressure to keep contaminants (air & water) from entering the hydraulic system.

Brake System Components

Brake System Components

Vacuum Booster Hydraulic Booster

• Brake Boosters • Vacuum brake boosters use engine vacuum to help stop the vehicle. • Hydro-boost systems use pressure created by the power steering pump to help stop the vehicle. • All brake boost systems are designed to help stop the vehicle.

Brake Fluid

Brake Fluid

DOT 3 Standard Brake Fluid DOT 4 Hi-Temp Brake Fluid DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid Keep brake fluid in tightly sealed containers.

Should be flushed every 2 years regardless of mileage!

Brake System Components Disc Brake Components • 1 Caliper assembly 2 Bracket mounting bolt 3 Bleed screw 4 Dust cap 5 Anti-rattle spring 6 Guide bolt 7 Brake pad wear warning light wire 8 Cable clamp 9 Brake disc 10 Allen bolt 11 Shield 12 Bolt 13 Washer 14 Plug 15 Plug 16 Caliper bracket 17 Cable clamp 18 Piston seal, piston, dust boot and circlip 19 Guide bush repair kit 20 Brake pads

Brake System Components

Drum Brake Components

Brake Warning Lights • The brake warning light switch warns the driver of a pressure loss in a dual brake system.

• The Low-Fluid Warning Light Switch lets the driver know when the brake fluid is low.

Brake System Control Valves • Proportioning Valve action in systems with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

is used to equalize braking • Metering Valve is used to regulate the pressure going to each wheel cylinder.

• Combination Valve is a single unit that functions as a brake warning light switch, a metering valve, and a proportioning valve.

Parking Brakes • Parking brakes provide a mechanical means of applying the brakes.

• Parking brakes can use either drum or disc brakes.

• Parking brakes should never be used to help stop the vehicle during normal driving.

• Parking brakes need periodic inspection and adjustment.

A hand operated emergency brake should make 4-5 clicks when engaging it (not more)

Q

UESTIONS?

Please refer to textbook chapter 71