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.

Diagram Of A Braking System

A Car Braking System

Types Of Brake

In automotive systems, there are two primary types of brakes, each with distinct characteristics and applications:

Disc Brake

A disc brake is usually made of cast iron but can also be made of composites such as carbon or ceramic matrix. It is a mechanism that slows the rotation of a wheel from its motion. Friction material, such as a brake pad, is forced against both sides of the disc to stop the wheel.

Drum Brake

It is a traditional break where a set of pads press against a brake drum, which is a rotating drum-shaped component. The term “drum brake” usually means a brake in which shoes press on the inner surface of the drum. Where the drum is pinched between two shoes, similar to a standard disk brake.

Related: 38 Parts Of a Car Engine And Diagram

Types Of Braking Systems

There are several types of braking systems, each designed for specific purposes and offering different mechanisms of operation. Here are the main types:

Hydraulic Braking System

The hydraulic brake system types are composed of master cylinders that receive hydraulic brake fluid from a reservoir. Through connections of an assortment of metal pipes and rubber fittings, the system is attached to the cylinders of the wheel. The wheel features two opposite pistons, located on the band or drum brakes. The pressure pushes the piston apart, forcing the brake pads into the cylinders, which causes the wheel to stop moving.

Electromagnetic Braking System

This is one of the rising designs of the brake system; it uses an electric motor that is contained in the automobile. The motor aids the stopping of the vehicle. Electromagnetic braking system types are used in most hybrid vehicles, where electric motors charge the batteries and power the brakes. In some buses, a secondary retarder brake that uses an internal short circuit and generator is employed.

Air Braking System

The air braking system types are commonly found in heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, etc. just like other types, the brake pedal is pressed. However, air from the atmosphere enters the compressor through an air filter and reaches the reservoir through an unloader value. It further enters the brake chamber through a brake valve, which is fitted to control the intensity of braking. This results in braking.

Servo Braking System

The servo braking system types are found on most vehicles today; they are designed to increase the amount of pressure the driver applies through the brake pedal. The system uses a vacuum in the inlet manifold to generate the extra pressure required for the brake to happen.

Also, the systems are only effective when the engine is running. In some vehicle designs, more than the braking system is included, as they work in unison to offer a stronger and more reliable system. However, the system fails occasionally based on the combination of the types of brakes, which may result in motor accidents.

How A Car Braking System Works

When you step on the brake pedal, the hydraulic system gets to work. The hydraulic unit then sends brake fluid into the caliper via the brake lines, placing pressure on the caliper piston. The calipers apply pressure to the brake pads, which in turn rub on the brake discs, lowering the vehicle’s speed. Here’s a detailed explanation:

  • When you press the brake pedal, it triggers the master cylinder, which is situated in the engine compartment.
  • The brake booster, which has a pushrod connecting it to the master cylinder, provides the master cylinder with more force. A vacuum hose and check valve allow the brake booster to draw on the engine vacuum.
  • Master cylinders control brake fluid: It uses braided hoses and metal tubes to supply brake fluid pressure to all four wheels. Whenever the system fluid pressure rises, the brake calipers and wheel cylinders, which are slave cylinders, are engaged.
  • The brake calipers squeeze the disc pads against the braking discs or rotors inside the wheels. As a result of the friction this compression creates, the car gradually slows down to a stop.
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