Braking System 101

What is a braking system?An automotive braking system is a
group of mechanical, electronic and hydraulically activated
geponents that use friction/heat to stop a moving vehicle.How does a braking system work?When
the brake pedal is depressed, the pressure on the brake pedal moves a
piston in the master cylinder, forcing the brake fluid from the master
cylinder through the brake lines and flexible hoses to the calipers and
wheel cylinders. The force applied to the brake pedal produces a
proportional force on each of the pistons.Braking SystemThe
calipers and wheel cylinders contain pistons, which are connected to a
disc brake pad or brakeshoe. Each output piston pushes the attached
friction material against the surface of the rotor or wall of the brake
drum, thus slowing down the rotation of the wheel.When pressure
on the pedal is released, the pads and shoes return to their released
positions. This action forces the brake fluid back through the flexible
hose and tubing to the master cylinder.What geponents are in the braking system?Disc BrakesDisc
Brakes are geprised of a disc or rotor, a caliper assembly, disc brake
pads and the wheel bearings and hardware necessary to mount the
geponents on the vehicle. The caliper is connected to the master
cylinder through tubes, hoses and valves that conduct brake fluid
through the system.Drum BrakesDrum Brakes are geprised of
a drum