Technical Drawings

System Components

Brake Pads and Shoes:

Brake pad and shoe friction are available in a variety of formulations such as, semi-metallic and ceramic to suit your driving needs. Brake pads and shoes are forced against a rotor or drum that creates friction to slow the vehicle and as such, are the wearable elements of your brake system that should be inspected by a certified technician annually.

Replacing worn brake pads and shoes before they get to the metal-to-metal point, can save you money. When your brake pads and shoes get to the metal-to-metal point, it usually means expensive rotor and / or drum replacement.

Brake Rotors and Drums:

Brake rotors and drums are attached to the wheel of your vehicle. They are the surfaces that the brake pad and shoes are forced against to slow or stop your vehicle. Brake rotors and drums must dissipate heat and stand up to continuous contact with water and road grit.

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Brake Calipers (disc brakes):

Brake calipers are large hydraulic clamps. Calipers have one or more pistons that move outward with the increased brake fluid pressure, forcing the brake pad to contact the rotor surface thereby slowing or stopping your vehicle. When you take your foot off the brake pedal it releases the pressure, the piston retracts pulling the brake pad off of the rotor surface.

Caliper integrity is vital to the function of the brake system and can be compromised as a result of exposure to road grit, heat and contaminated brake fluid.

Brake Fluid:

Brake fluid is a specially formulated liquid used in the brake hydraulic system. Brake fluid transmits force to the various parts of the braking system when you step on the brake pedal. You should have your brake fluid checked regularly. Your owner¹s manual may also specify that your vehicle may require flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system.

If you need to frequently add brake fluid you may have a leak in the hydraulic system, which you should have inspected immediately.

Brake Hardware:

Brake hardware is used to keep brake parts in their proper location and return parts to their original location after you have applied the brakes and released them. Brake hardware related to disc brakes usually include anti-rattle springs, pad-retaining springs, shims, caliper pins, support keys, return springs and retaining screws. For drum brakes they typically include return, hold-down, adjuster springs and adjuster screw assembly.

When having your brakes serviced make sure that you have your hardware replaced, as it will ensure safe braking and help you get the longest life from your new brakes.

Brake Hoses and Steel Lines:

The brake hoses and steel lines transmit the brake fluid to various elements of the braking system.

Brake Hydraulics:

The brake hydraulic system consists of the master cylinder, hydraulic lines and hoses. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal the resulting force generates pressure in the master cylinder, which then flows through the lines and hoses to the wheel cylinders and/or calipers forcing the brake shoes or pads against the drums or rotors. It is important to check the brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir regularly. If you need to add brake fluid frequently you should have the system checked as soon as possible by a qualified technician.