A Description of Brake Systems

Modern vehicle brake systems use basic hydraulics where friction is applied to slow and stop the movement of the wheels. When a driver presses the brake pedal, pressurized hydraulic fluid is sent to the brake components, and the resulting friction slows the vehicle.

Types

the two primary types of brake systems are anti-lock brake systems (ABS), and non-ABS. ABS are designed to ensure more vehicle stability by changing the fluid pressure to automatically pump the brakes, preventing them from locking up. With non-ABS brake systems, the driver must pump the brakes to prevent lockup.

Brake Action

When the the brake pedal is depressed, this causes a push rod within the master cylinder to force out fluid. This travels through the brake lines to the wheel cylinders. If the vehicle has disc brakes, the brake fluid flows into a caliper and presses against a piston, which then squeezes brake pads against the wheel rotor. If the car has drum brakes, the fluid pushes the brake shoes so that there is friction against the wheel.

Considerations

A key feature of brake systems is that the brake fluid is incompressible, transferring pressure to the brakes. There can't be any air in the fluid for brakes to be effective.