Brake System Information

The automotive brake system is a complex set of parts that work together to provide a car with braking ability. In 2010, a typical brake system consists of disk brakes on the front wheels and either disk or drum brakes on the rear.

Parts

The parts of a standard brake system include tubes, hoses, lines, a master cylinder, brake fluid, brake lines, valves, rotors, calipers and brake pads. Each part has an important role in the braking process.

Function

Disks or drums are contained in a vehicle's front and rear wheels, and are connected to a master cylinder by a series of hoses and tubes. The master cylinder is connected directly to the brake pedal on the driver's side of the vehicle and, when pressure is applied, activates a plunger that pushes brake fluid through the hoses and tubes to each brake pad or drum. The brake fluid then is forced into a caliper that presses against a piston, which squeezes the disk pads together, causing the wheel's rotation to slow or stop.

Other Braking Systems

Other braking systems that are connected to a standard braking system include anti-lock brake systems, parking brakes and power brake boosters. In 2010, most vehicles are equipped with anti-lock braking systems.