Brake System

What is the primary function of the brake system?

To bring the vehicle to a complete stop safely.

What is the brake pedal?

The part the driver presses to activate the brakes, sending mechanical force to the master cylinder.

What is the master cylinder?

The part that converts brake pedal force into hydraulic pressure by pushing brake fluid through the lines.

What is the brake fluid reservoir?

The container holding brake fluid, which the master cylinder draws from as needed.

What are brake lines?

Metal or rubber hoses carrying brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake assemblies.

Why must brake lines be strong and flexible?

To withstand the hydraulic pressure the master cylinder generates.

What are brake assemblies?

The units at each wheel containing the brake pads or shoes that press against the rotor or drum.

What do disc brake systems use to create friction?

Brake pads pressed against a rotor.

What do drum brake systems use to create friction?

Brake shoes pressed against a drum.

Why are disc brakes considered superior to drum brakes?

They reject heat energy better.

How is the brake system operated?

Hydraulically.

Describe brake system operation step by step.

The pedal moves a piston in the master cylinder, pressurizing fluid that travels through the lines and moves pistons at the brakes.

What happens when the driver presses the brake pedal harder?

Fluid pressure rises and more braking power is produced.

What are the two brake system options that improve control during a hard stop?

Power brakes and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

What are power brakes?

Power-assisted brakes that use a brake booster to amplify the force the driver applies to the pedal.

What is a brake booster?

The device that increases pedal force to the master cylinder using engine vacuum or a hydraulic pump.

What is the advantage of power brakes?

They require less pedal force, making stopping easier for the driver.

What is an anti-lock brake system (ABS)?

A system that keeps the wheels from locking up during hard braking.

What does an ABS use to monitor the wheels?

Speed sensors at each wheel reporting relative wheel speeds to a computer.

What does the ABS do when it detects a wheel speed difference?

It uses pumps and valves to change brake pressure at the affected wheel or wheels.