The braking system is perhaps the most essential in vehicles. That’s why Brake Repair in Phoenix is so vital. There are two types of brakes, the disk type and the drum type. Modern automobiles use hydraulic braking systems. They also have brakes on all the four wheels. However, the front brakes play a bigger role in stopping the car than brakes in the rear wheels.
Generally, disk brakes are more efficient than drum brakes. In fact, disc brakes are usually fitted in the front wheels while drum brakes are fitted in the rear ones. High performance or ultra expensive cars use all-disk braking systems while small or old car models use all drum systems. Most modern cars use twin hydraulic circuit just in case one fails.
How braking works
A hydraulic brake circuit has a master cylinder filled with fluid and connected to slave cylinders by pipes. When you depress the brake pedal, the pressure moves a piston in the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders and calipers. Wheel cylinders and calipers contain pistons which are connected the brake pad or brake shoe. Output pistons push attached friction material against the surface of the rotor or brake drum wall hence slowing down the rotation of the wheel. The shoes and pads return to their positions once the pressure is released. The brake fluid flows back to the master cylinder through a flexible hose.
Components of an auto braking system
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes components include caliper assembly, disc or rotor, wheel bearing and disc brake pads. Caliper and master cylinders are connected through hoses, valves and tubes that conduct brake fluid through the system.
Drum brakes
Drum brakes are comprised of brake shoes, wheel cylinder, axle assembly, wheel bearings, break plates and drum plate and the wheel cylinder is connected to the cylinder through valves, tube and hoses that conduct brake fluid through the system.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in vehicles brakes application. It transfers force under pressure to the braking mechanism around the wheels through hydraulic lines. The braking system produces a lot of heat. So the hydraulic fluid must have a high boiling point to be effective. Similarly, it should have a low freezing point.
Braking system concerns
After using your car for a while, several problems are bound to happen. You should watch out for the following signs:
- An unusual sound from the brakes
- Soft or spongy brakes pedals
- Low brake fluid in the cylinder
- The vehicle pulling tone side when you apply brakes
- Warning lamps of the brake system staying illuminated
- Apart from the hydraulic braking system cars are also fitted with handbrakes. Handbrakes provide braking if the hydraulic break fails completely.
The importance of a braking system cannot be overemphasized. It helps us stay safe on the roads especially during emergencies. Fundamentally, brakes are required to stop a car. It is almost impossible to drive without brakes.
Call Chelsee’s A/C & Brake Emporeum now! (602) 242-1253
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