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Brake System |
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Brake System The braking system applies frictional force to the wheels to slow or stop the vehicle. The braking system is composed of the brake calipers, pads, drums, parking brake cable, master cylinder, shoes, hoses, wheel cylinder, and rotors. The braking system can exert as much as 1,000 pounds of hydraulic pressure on each of the four brakes. When you step on your brake pedal, you command a stopping force 10 times as powerful as the force that puts your car into motion. Maintenance tips for conventional brakes include checking your brake fluid level and all hardware components every 12,000 miles/12 months or sooner if extensive driving or towing. You should change brake fluid every 30,000 miles or according to your owners’ manual. Aside from the hardware, brake hoses should be inspected for brittleness or cracking. Brake linings should be checked for contamination by the brake fluid or grease. A qualified technician should also inspect the wheel bearings and grease seals for wear and adjust the parking brake if needed. The benefits of maintaining your brake system include extended wear and less noise provided by damping insulators for “guaranteed quiet” braking. Plus, it extends the life of your suspension components. Custom prefers to install only the best quality brake pads that carry a lifetime warranty. Maintaining your brakes also ensure safe and reliable stopping performance. Points of Interest
Brake Caliper Common signs of wear are brake lockup, pulling to the left or right, reducing braking force, spongy brake pedal, brake petal pulsation (not to be confused with normal ABS operation), longer stopping distances, and fluid leakage near caliper or rotor. Brake Pads Common signs that your brakes need professional attention are chirping, grinding, or squealing noise, or difficulty stopping. Brake Drum Parking Brake Cable Common signs of wear include an inability to secure parking braking, looseness in brake lever, rear wheel lockup, and vehicle rolling after the parking brake is secured. Master Cylinder Common signs of wear include loss of brake pedal height, spongy or hard-to-press brake pedal, and evidence of fluid leakage on or near the master cylinder. Brake Shoes The signs of wear are insufficient friction material on the brake shoes, reduced braking ability, low brake pedal height, longer stopping distances, squealing or unusual noises, and brake pedal pulsation (not to be confused with normal ABS operation). Brake Hose Common signs of wear include spongy brake pedal, visible hose cracks, fluid leaks, and a damp appearance on the rear hose ends. Wheel Cylinder Common signs of wear include reduced braking force, spongy brake pedal feel, increased stopping distances, and fluid leakage near the brake drum. Brake Rotor Common signs of wear include brake pedal pulsation (not to be confused with normal ABS operation), squealing or grinding noise, low brake pedal height, and vehicle pull to the left or right when the brakes are applied. Antilock Brake System (ABS) |
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