Serviceable brakes are the key to your safety. It is an axiom that the braking system should not malfunction or work “in a jiffy” – it does not have to be proven. Its response must be lightning-fast and its function must be perfect, because even a minor brake system malfunction can lead to an accident.
The brake system has the following structure:
the brake mechanism;
the brake actuator.
The brake mechanism is designed to create the braking torque required to slow and stop the vehicle. Vehicles are equipped with friction brakes, the work of which is based on the use of frictional forces. Working system brakes are installed directly in the wheel. The parking system brake mechanism may be located behind the transmission or transfer case.
Depending on the design of the friction part, a distinction is made between:
drum brakes;
disc brakes.
The brake mechanism consists of a rotating and a stationary part. The rotating part of the drum mechanism is the brake drum, the stationary part is the brake shoes or belts.
The rotating part of the disc mechanism is the brake disc and the stationary part is the brake pads. As a rule, disc brakes are installed on the front and rear axles of modern passenger cars.
Disc brakes consist of a rotating brake disc and two stationary pads, installed inside a caliper on both sides.
The caliper is mounted on a bracket. Service cylinders are installed in the slots of the caliper, which press the brake pads against the disc during braking.
The brake disc gets very hot when braking. Air flow cools the brake disc. Openings are made in the surface of the disc to allow the heat to be dissipated. This type of disc is called a vented disc.
The brake pads are pressed against the caliper by spring elements. Friction pads are attached to the pads. In modern vehicles the brake pads are equipped with a wear sensor.
The brake actuator controls the brakes. The following types of brake actuators are used in vehicle braking systems:
mechanical;
hydraulic;;
pneumatic;
electrical;
combined.
The mechanical actuator is used in the parking brake system. The mechanical actuator is a system of rods, levers and cables connecting the parking brake lever with the rear wheel brakes. It includes:
an actuator lever;
adjustable lug;
cable equalizer;
cables;
pad drive levers.
On some vehicle models, the parking system is actuated by a foot pedal, the so-called foot-operated parking brake. In recent years, the parking system has made extensive use of an electric actuator, and the device itself is called an electromechanical parking brake.