Your vehicle’s brakes are an important safety system. When you step on the brake pedal you expect your vehicle to stop completely. You may not be aware of how your brake system works.
Understanding the brake system of your car is essential to maintaining it properly and knowing when brake replacement service in calgary are needed. You will then be able to maintain it at its best and keep you and your passengers safe.
Brake System Components
Drum brakes are a type of brake system. Disc brakes are another. Some vehicles, especially those with newer models, have both front and rear disc brakes. Others have drum brakes at the back and disc brakes up front. Both types of brakes are made up of a number different components.
Master Cylinder
This component controls the hydraulic pressure on the fluid by pushing it from the reservoir to the brake lines.
Brake Rotors
Each wheel has a brake rotor in the form of a flat disc that rotates with it. The brake pads are pressed against this rotor to create friction that slows the wheels.
Brake Drums
The brake drum replaces the brake rotor in a drum-brake system. The brake shoe presses against the inside surface of the brake drum when the pedal is depressed. This slows the rotation of the wheel and drum.
Brake Pads for Disc Brakes
The brake pad in a disc brake is the part that presses against the brake rotor, generating the friction necessary to stop a spinning wheel. Ceramic or metallic brake pads are available, with varying heat ranges and lifespans.
Brake Caliper for Disc Brakes
The brake calipers clamp the brake pads onto the brake rotors with hydraulic pressure. The brake fluid is pushed through one or more pistons in the brake caliper. These pistons then push the force onto the brake pads.
Brake Shoe
The brake shoe can be used in place of the brake pads on a drum-brake system. The brake shoe presses against the brake drum’s interior to slow down and stop the car.
Brake Booster
The brake booster in your vehicle amplifies foot pressure on the brake pedal using engine vacuum or vacuum pump. This makes it easier to quickly slow down the vehicle.
Brake pedal
It may seem obvious, but the brake pedal is a critical component. It is linked to the entire braking systems and is responsible for initiating the chain of events to stop your car.
Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensors are used in vehicles equipped with anti-lock brake systems (ABS) to detect the rotational speed of the wheels. This information is sent to the ABS module which controls the vehicle’s stopping force.
ABS Module
The ABS module is the computer of your braking system. The ABS module uses the input from wheel speed sensors to determine when to release or apply the brake power to each of your wheels to safely stop the vehicle. The ABS module allows your ABS brake system help you to stop as quickly and as safely as possible.
Brake Lines
The brake lines are used to transfer brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheels. The hydraulic fluid is what transfers hydraulic pressure to the wheels and makes braking easier.
What All Works Together
Your brake system is able to stop a vehicle weighing up to 1.5 tons in a very short time by simply pressing the brake pedal. When initiating a stop several things occur almost instantly to slow down the vehicle.
When the brake pedal presses, it forces a plunger into the master cylinder. This releases hydraulic brake fluid, which is then sent through the brake lines to the brake calipers on each wheel. The brake calipers then squeeze the brake pads onto the brake rotors. The friction material of the brake pads absorbs heat and pressure from this energy exchange, safely slowing/stopping the rotation of your rotors.
Every time you brake, a part of the friction material wears away. Regular brake inspections, and brake pad replacements are essential to keep your brake system in good working order.
All of these small electronic parts and other components work together to keep the system safe and secure. For your brakes work at their best, each component must function properly.
You can tell if your brake pads are in trouble by the following signs
You should be aware of several warning signs that your brakes are not working properly. It’s time to repair your brakes if you see any of these red flags.
Squealing Noises
The brake pads may have a built-in wear indicator. This safety feature alerts you when your brake pads are nearing the point of being worn out and need to be replaced.
Clicking Noises
If you hear a clicking, rattling or other noises, it is likely that the brake caliper which holds your brake pads has come loose. It is important to check this as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage.
Vehicle pulling to one side
The brake pads may wear unevenly if you apply different pressures to your wheels. The vehicle may pull to one side when trying to slow down or stop. Other causes of pulling when braking are a jammed caliper, or a collapsed hose.
Brake Pedal Vibrations Unusual
Vibrations in brakes can be caused by a variety of brake problems. Most often, warped brake rotors are the cause. The heat and friction generated by prolonged use of brakes can cause rotors warp.
Slow Braking
It is important to have your brakes serviced if it takes longer than normal for you vehicle to stop or slow down. Over time, your brakes’ ability to create the friction required to quickly stop your car can decrease.
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