What Is A Braking System? Its Parts, Types And How It Work

Braking systems have been in existence ever since the first design of automobiles. The system inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. Over the years, there have been different designs, types, and features added to a braking system. This technological improvement has drastically reduced the rate of vehicle collisions.

The majority of modern cars are built with hydraulic brakes that work on all four wheels. There are two types of brakes: drum and disc. The car’s weight is shifted forward onto the front wheels when braking, so the front brakes are more crucial for stopping the vehicle than the rear.

In this reading, we’ll explore what a braking system is, its components, diagram, types, and how it works.

Let’s get started!

What Is A Braking System?

The braking system is a mechanical device designed to restrain motion by absorbing energy from a moving system, usually using friction. It is used to slow or stop a moving vehicle, wheel, axle, etc. In modern vehicles, the brake pedal is pushed against the master cylinder.

There is a piston that pushes the brake pad against the brake disc, which slows the wheel down. On the brake drum, the cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the drum to slow down the wheel.

Components Of A Car Braking System

A car braking system consists of several key components that work together to slow down or stop the vehicle safely. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

Brake Pedal

The component of a brake system is used to activate the brake by pressing it down by foot. It’s located in the middle of the accelerator and clutch pedal inside the vehicle.

Fluid Reservoir

The fluid reservoir is the housing where the brake fluid or brake oil is stored.

Fluid Lines

The fluid lines are the pipes through which the brake fluid flows in the vehicle.

Brake Pads

The brake pad is a steel backing plate employed on disc brakes. It’s often made of ceramic, metal, or other hard-wearing composite materials.

Brake Shoes

The brake shoes are two pieces of sheet steel joined together so they can carry the brake lining.

Brake Drum

The brake drum is a rotating drum-shaped component used in the drum brake system.

Rotor

The rotor is a cast-iron brake disc connected to a wheel or axle, sometimes made of reinforced carbon-carbon, ceramic matrix, or some other composite.

Brake Lining

A brake lining is a heat-resistant, soft, but also tough material with high friction characteristics. It’s enclosed inside the brake shoe.

Piston

The piston is a moving component contained in the cylinder.

Caliper

The caliper carries the brake pads and pistons.

Floating Caliper or Sliding Caliper

The part moves relatively with the rotor as it uses a piston on a single side of the disc to push the inner brake pad into the braking surface. It then pulls the caliper body in to apply pressure on the opposite side of the disc.

Fixed Calipers

The fixed caliper does not move relative to the rotor, which is sensitive to imperfections. It uses one or more single pairs of opposing pistons to clamp from each side of the rotor.

Master Cylinder

The master cylinder converts the non-hydraulic pressure from the driver’s foot into hydraulic pressure. It then controls the slave cylinders at the opposite end of the hydraulic system.

Vacuum Booster

This braking system component is used to improve the master cylinder and increase the pressure that the driver’s foot supplies through the use of a vacuum in the engine intake. This is effective while the vehicle’s engine is running.

Maintenance and Safety:

• Regular checks for brake pads, fluid levels, and rotor conditions are crucial.

• Signs of brake problems include squealing noises, reduced braking efficiency, or a soft brake pedal.