There are two different types of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes. Some vehicles will have disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the back two wheels. Other vehicles will have disc brakes on all four wheels. Very few vehicles on the road today use only drum brakes.
Are your brakes making a squealing or rubbing sound? Your brakes are made up of several components, each requiring routine maintenance. Pads, rotors, calipers, drums, hoses, and lines are what primarily make up the braking system of a car or truck. If problems with your brakes are ignored, it could lead to further damage within your vehicle.
Drum brakes have mostly been replaced by disc brakes. Drum brakes are usually only found on the back two wheels of vehicles that still utilize drum brakes. Drum brakes are made up of the wheel cylinder, brake shoes, and the brake drum. To slow down or stop the vehicle, the brake shoes press into the brake drum next to the wheel cylinder.
Most cars on the road today use disc brakes on the front wheels, and more and more vehicles are also using disc brakes on the rear wheels. Disc brakes use brake pads and a hydraulic system to press said brake pads into the rotor, also known as the disc. A brake caliper is fitted around the rotor and houses the other mechanisms needed to slow or stop a vehicle.
To better understand how the brake system works on your vehicle, you must know what role each mechanism in the system plays. Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is very complex with multiple different mechanisms.
The brake pedal is what the driver steps on to stop their vehicle. Pressing on the brake moves a piston in the master cylinder. This indicates to the system the vehicle is to stop.
The emergency brake goes by many names; you may also know it by e-brake or parking brake.
The emergency brake is separate from the main brake system. The emergency brake stops the vehicle from rolling away when parked and should always be used when the vehicle is parked on an incline.
The entire brake system is powered by the master cylinder. The master cylinder transforms non-hydraulic pressure into hydraulic pressure...
When the brake pedal is pressed down, the master cylinder will deliver hydraulic fluid to the brake pistons through the brake lines. This hydraulic pressure is used by the wheel cylinders to push the brake pads against the rotors, which will cause your vehicle to slow down and stop.
The brake lines carry the brake fluid to the different components in the brake system. Damaged brake lines can start to leak brake fluid, which can lead to brake failure.
The brake caliper has a very important job: it holds the different components of your vehicle’s brake system.
In a disc brake system, the caliper reduces the speed of the vehicle’s wheels by generating friction with the rotors. Inside the caliper are the rotor, pistons, and brake pads. When you press on the brake in your vehicle, it triggers brake fluid from the master cylinder to make the hydraulic pressure which presses on the pistons. The brake pads are then pushed up against the rotor. The friction on the brake pads then causes the rotor to slow down or stop your vehicle. There are two different types of calipers: floating calipers and fixed calipers. Fixed calipers do not move. Instead, they use pistons on both sides of the rotor. Floating calipers, also known as sliding calipers, move with the rotor and only have one or two pistons on the inboard side of the rotor.
Brake pads are the components that press up against the rotors. This pressure creates friction.
That friction slows down the vehicle and will eventually bring it to a complete stop. It is important to have your brake pads checked periodically as they will typically wear down quicker than the other brake components. For your brakes to function properly, you want your brake pads to be 6.4mm (1/4 inch) or thicker. Once you reach this thickness, you will want to start considering replacing your brake pads. If your brake pads reach 3.2mm (1/8 inch) or thinner, you will want to replace your brake pads immediately or risk brake failure.
The brake rotors are connected to the wheel spindle assembly.
When the brake pedal is pressed, the calipers press your brake pads against the brake rotors. The brake pads pressing against the brake rotors create friction that opposes the spin of the wheel. This will slow down the turning of the wheels and will cause the vehicle to slow down and eventually stop.
Brake fluid is a hydroscopic fluid that absorbs water and moisture from the air around it.
Brake fluid runs to many parts in your brake system to help keep parts fluid and operating. Brake fluid can get hot, and this will cause it to create particles and build up that may hinder the fluid from working properly.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) provide traction to your tires when trying to stop.
ABS will help prevent your wheels from locking up and removes the necessity from needing to “pump your brakes” when slamming on your brakes in emergencies. The ABS control module is found in cars, trucks, and SUVs that use anti-lock brakes. The ABS control module controls how much pressure each wheel receives, which helps prevent your wheels from locking up.
Wheel speed sensors are part of the vehicle’s ABS system or Anti-Lock Brake System. It monitors the speed of each wheel and transmits that information back to the ABS control module.
The brake booster uses pressure to boost the force the brake pedal puts on the master cylinder.
This decreases the pressure the driver needs to put on the pedal, allowing anyone of any size to use the brake system. If you ever feel like you need to use more pressure than usual or almost stand on the brake pedal to get your vehicle to slow down or come to a stop, you may need to have your brake booster looked at.
It is important for your safety, and the safety of others that your brakes are working correctly. If you have not had your brakes checked recently, or if they feel “soft” or are making a sound when you press on the brake pedal, it is important to have a certified technician inspect your brakes.
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