Components of an Automotive Brake System

A modern automobile brake system consists of several key components that work together to slow or stop the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner. These include:

- Brake pads or shoes: Located inside the brake calipers or drums, the pads or shoes are what make physical contact with the rotors or drums to create friction and slow the vehicle. Pads are enclosed in brake calipers while shoes rest inside brake drums. Pads and shoes slowly wear down over time from braking use and must be replaced when excessively worn.

- Brake rotors or drums: Attached to the wheels, brake rotors or drums are the rotating surfaces that the pads or shoes clamp against during braking. Rotors are solid discs of metal, while drums are cylindrical and hollow. As the vehicle brakes, pads and shoes grip the rotors/drums, using friction to slow rotational motion and reduce vehicle speed.

- Brake calipers: Automotive Brake Systems  Multi-piston hydraulic calipers tightly grip and squeeze the brake pads onto each side of a rotor during application of the brakes. Calipers apply equal pressure to both pads for even braking and precise control.

- Brake lines and hoses: A network of steel brake lines and hoses carries pressurized hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to each brake caliper. When brakes are applied, fluid rapidly flows through the lines/hoses to actuate the calipers.

- Master cylinder: This hydraulic unit is responsible for generating braking pressure. It's directly connected to the brake pedal and uses a piston to pump fluid through the lines/hoses when brakes are engaged.

Get more insights on - Automotive Brake Systems