Types of Brakes
Disc
Brakes
Disc
brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and
a Caliper, which holds the Disc Brake Pads. Hydraulic pressure from the
Master Cylinder causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor
between the Disc Brake Pads. This creates friction between the pads and
rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop.
Drum
Brakes
Drum
brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the wheel, a Wheel Cylinder,
Brake Shoes and Brake Return Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master
Cylinder causes the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the
Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or
stop your car.
Parking
Brake
The
Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the
rear brake.) This is used to prevent the car from rolling when not being
driven.
Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For
Safety
Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently
developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made, the ABS prevents
wheel lock-up. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor
wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on
and off rapidly, and the on-board computer.
|