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Services >> Brakes Services >>
Brake System Components
Brake Component Descriptions
What It Does
The brake system applied frictional force to the wheels to slow or stop the vehicle.
Service and Maintenance
The following inspections and maintenance procedures can help prevent potential brake problems.
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Check brake fluid level at every oil change. Replace fluid according to owner's manual recommendations |
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Calipers and wheel cylinders should be checked at every brake inspection and serviced or replaced as required |
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Inspect the brake lines for rust, punctures or visible leaks (you may be able to do this, but consult a qualified technician if necessary) |
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The following should be conducted by a qualified technician:
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Inspection of the brake hoses for brittleness or cracking |
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Inspection of brake linings and pads for wear or contamination by brake fluid or grease |
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Inspection of wheel bearings and grease seals |
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Parking brake adjustments (if needed) |
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Did You Know?
When you step on your brake pedal, you command a stopping force 10 times as powerful as the force that puts the car in motion. The braking system can exert as much as 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of hydraulic pressure on each of the four brakes.
1
Disc Brake Caliper
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Function:
A hydraulic clamp that pinches the brake pads onto the rotor to slow or stop the vehicle.
Signs of Wear:
Brakes lockup, vehicle pulls to the left or the right when braking, reduced braking action, brake pedal feels spongy, brake pedal pulses (not to be confused with normal ABS operation), fluid leakage near caliper or rotor.
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2
Disc Brake Pads
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Function:
Flat pads with frictional materials that contact the rotor to help slow or stop the vehicle (disc brakes).
Signs of Wear:
Chirping, grinding or squealing noise, difficulty stopping the vehicle.
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3
Brake Drum
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Function:
A drum attached to the wheel that slows the rotation of the wheel when the brake shoes contact its surface.
Signs of Wear:
Reduced braking force, low brake pedal height, increased stopping distances, squealing or scraping noises, brake pedal pulsation (not to be confused with normal ABS operation).
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4
Parking Brake Cable
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Function:
A steel cable that connects the parking brake lever to the brake system in order to keep the vehicle from moving.
Signs of Wear:
Inability to secure parking brake, looseness in brake lever, rear wheel lockup, vehicle rolls after parking brake is secured.
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5
Master Cylinder
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Function:
Converts brake pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure for brake system operation.
Signs of Wear:
Loss of brake pedal height, spongy or hard-to-press brake pedal, evidence of fluid leakage on or near the master cylinder.
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6
Brake Shoes
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Function:
Shoes that press against the inside of the brake drum to cause friction in order to slow or stop the vehicle (drum brakes).
Signs of Wear:
Insufficient friction material on brake shoes, reduced braking ability, low brake pedal height, longer stopping distances, squealing or unusual noises, brake pedal pulsation (not to be confused with normal ABS operation).
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7
Brake Hose
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Function:
Carried brake fluid between the brake line and the brake caliper or wheel cylinder.
Signs of Wear:
Spongy brake pedal feel, visible hose cracks or wear, fluid leaks, a damp appearance on or near the hose ends.
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8
Wheel Cylinder
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Function:
A hydraulic component that forces the brake shoes against the brake drum to slow or stop the vehicle.
Signs of Wear:
Reduced braking force, spongy brake pedal feel, increased stopping distances, fluid leakage near brake drum.
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9
Brake Rotor
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Function:
A rotating disc that helps slow or stop the vehicle when the brake pads press against its surface (disc brakes).
Signs of Wear:
Brake pedal pulsation (not to be confused with normal ABS operation, squealing or grinding noise, low brake pedal height, vehicle pulls to the left or right when brakes are applied.
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Suspension
Services |
Diagnosis
Pad Replacement
Lining Replacement
Hose Replacement
Line Replacement
Wheel Cylinders
Emergency Brakes
Brake Drums
On Vehicle Machining
Power Boosters
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