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Hydraulic brakes use fluid pressure to transfer the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the wheels of your vehicle. It’s a highly efficient system used in most modern cars and motorcycles today (De Craen et al., 2012).
Main Components of a Hydraulic Brake System
Main Components of a Hydraulic Brake System
Brake Pedal
Brake Pedal
Where the driver applies force.
Master Cylinder
Master Cylinder
Converts pedal force into hydraulic pressure.
Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid
Transmits pressure through the system.
Brake Lines
Brake Lines
Carry fluid to each wheel.
Calipers (Disc Brakes) / Wheel Cylinders (Drum Brakes)
Calipers (Disc Brakes) / Wheel Cylinders (Drum Brakes)
Receive pressure and apply it to brake pads or shoes.
Brake Pads/Shoes
Brake Pads/Shoes
Create friction against the rotors or drums to stop the wheel.
How It Works?
How It Works?
1. You press the brake pedal.
A pushrod moves into the master cylinder.
2. The master cylinder compresses the brake fluid.
Hydraulic pressure builds up inside the system.
3. Fluid travels through the brake lines.
Because it’s incompressible, pressure moves quickly and evenly to all wheels.
4. At each wheel, pressure activates the brakes.
In disc brakes, calipers press pads against rotors.
In drum brakes, wheel cylinders push shoes against the drum.
5. Friction stops the vehicle.
Kinetic energy is converted to heat through friction.
3. Fluid travels through the brake lines.
Because it’s incompressible, pressure moves quickly and evenly to all wheels.
4. At each wheel, pressure activates the brakes.
In disc brakes, calipers press pads against rotors.
In drum brakes, wheel cylinders push shoes against the drum.
5. Friction stops the vehicle.
Kinetic energy is converted to heat through friction.
Why Brake Fluid Matters?
Why Brake Fluid Matters?
1. ust be clean and free of air bubbles (which compress and reduce braking power)
2. Needs regular inspection and replacement (every 1–2 years, depending on use and fluid type)
Signs of Hydraulic Brake Problems
Signs of Hydraulic Brake Problems
1. Spongy brake pedal (could mean air in the system)
2. Brake warning light on the dashboard
3. Brake fluid leaks under the vehicle
4. Reduced braking performance
Real-World Example
Real-World Example
When driving downhill, constant braking can overheat the fluid—this may cause brake fade, reducing stopping power. That’s why it’s important to understand how hydraulic systems react under stress.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Hydraulic brakes use fluid pressure to multiply force and stop the vehicle.
The system is precise, fast, and reliable—but needs clean, well-maintained fluid.
Air or leaks in the system can seriously compromise safety
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References
References
De Craen, S., Doumen, M. J. A., van Norden, Y., & Kuiken, M. (2012). Brake pedal use and braking performance in cars. SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research. https://www.swov.nl/en/publication/brake-pedal-use-and-braking-performance-cars
Erjavec, J., & Thompson, R. (2019). Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
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