Brakes - Understanding 101

The braking system in your vehicle is the most important system. If your brakes fail... the result can be deadly. When you step on the brakes, you command a stopping force ten times as powerful as the force that puts the vehicle in motion.

Now-a-days, the master cylinder is power-assisted by the engine, have dual braking systems, with 2 wheels' braking operation by each subsystem. That way if one system fails, the other can provide reasonably adequate braking power, which makes these newer braking systems much safer than earlier braking systems.The brake system is composed of the following basic components:

• MASTER CYLINDER - which is located under the hood, and is directly connected to the brake pedal, converts your foot's mechanical pressure into hydraulic pressure.
• STEEL BRAKE LINES and FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSES - connect the master cylinder to the slave cylinder located at each wheel.
• BRAKE FLUID - is specially designed to work in extreme conditions, filling the system.
• BRAKE SHOES & PADS - are pushed by the slave cylinder to contact the brake drums and brake rotors, thus causing drag, which slows the vehicle.
• THE BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM - on all vehicles has been required standard equipment since the early 1970's, and is connected to the master cylinder. It monitors differences in pressure in the brake lines of the 2 hydraulic sub-systems which alerts the driver with a light if imbalance occurs. When you turn the key in the ignition position, the brake warning light on your dash comes on during a 'self-test'.

	BRAKES GRABBING If the brakes grab at the slightest pressure, it could be a problem with the linings or loose /broken component.
	BRAKES PULSATING If your brake pedal or steering wheel shakes or vibrates when applying the brakes, it may be due to a needed brake repair or a faulty steering component.
	BRAKES PULLING If your vehicle pulls to the left or right when applying the brakes, might be an indication of an under inflated tire or brakes in need of adjustment or repair.
	BRAKES SQUEALING Your brakes need attention if you hear excessive squealing, grinding, screeching, chattering or groaning.

Anti-lockBraking System

Originally developed for aircraft, anti-lockbraking systems (ABS) basically works by limiting the pressure to any wheel whichdecelerates too rapidly.

ABS

ABS allows you to maintain controlof the vehicle. Since four-wheel ABS prevents all wheels from skidding, itallows you to steer the vehicle and still maintain braking.ABS was introducedin the mid 1980's and has become 'standard' equipment on the majority ofvehicles sold in Canada. The anti-lock braking system in passenger carsand most multi-purposevehicles works on all four wheels. This promotes directional stability andallows steering while maximizing brakes. The ABS system in most pick-up trucksworks only on the rear wheels, which promotes directional stability only.However, there are some available with ABS on all four wheels.

How do I use ABS?

Apply steady and constant pressure - do not take your foot off the brakepedal until the vehicle has stopped and 'do not' pump the brake.
The noise associated with ABS when it is functioning should not be confusedwith brake squeal.

What is that noise/vibration?

This is normal and indicates that the ABS is active. VariousABS sound or feel differently. Some of the effects include the following: • a groaning noise • a rapid pulsing of the brake pedal • a periodic dropping of the brake pedal • a hard (non-compliant) brake pedal • a light that turns on to say 'low traction'.

You should familiarize yourself with how your system functions by readingthe 'owner's manual' and then testing your ABS to get the feel of how yourvehiclereacts to the ABS.

The brake pedal will pulsate as the ABS engages

If your brakes squeal under normal braking conditions, this may indicatethat the pads are worn and need replacing. A pulsating brake pedal everytime youapply the brakes may indicate warped brake rotors and/or seized brake calipersthat require servicing.