Braking Systems
In this section, you will find the following:
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The Braking System
Most brake systems use a layout very similar to that seen here, comprising the pedal, a booster, master cylinder, hydraulic lines and hoses, and calipers or wheel cylinders that apply pressure to a pad coated in friction material so that it pushes against a rotating disc or drum.
Brake Pads
Brake pads are one of the most crucial components that are considered normal wear items, since they create the friction that helps stop your car when they are pressed against the brake disc (also called the brake rotor) or, on some cars, the brake drum that rotates with the wheel.
Your Brake Pads should be checked at every scheduled service.
Brake Fluid
It is important that your brake fluid is changed at the scheduled intervals. Over time brake fluid becomes contaminated and looses its efficiency. When you don't change your brake fluid, your vehicles braking capabilities can be severely affected.
Your brake fluid should be checked at your vehicles scheduled services.
Disc Brake/ Rotors
Almost all vehicles use disc brake systems, particularly on the front wheels. Disc brakes work by squeezing together a pair of brake pads on the rotating brake disc or rotor. The device that squeezes the pads together is called the brake caliper. Disc brakes can develop problems such as warped rotors - which cause the steering wheel to shake when the brakes are applied, or may become rusted and fail to apply or release evenly, causing uneven or accelerated brake pad wear.