Basic Parts and Functions of the Brake System

The basic parts of the braking system used to control and stop the movement of the vehicle are:

Brake pedal: It is the part that operates the brake system and transfers the braking force.
Brake booster: It is the part that increases the braking power by increasing the force coming from the brake pedal.
Brake master center: It is the part that transmits the pressure from the brake pedal to the brake fluid.
Brake hoses and pipes: These are the parts that carry the brake fluid from the brake main center to the wheels.
Wheel brake cylinders: These are the parts that transmit the pressure of the brake fluid to the brake pads.
Brake pads: These are the parts inside the brake cylinders that provide braking by rubbing against the wheels.
Brake discs: These are the parts that the brake pads rub against in disc brake systems.
Brake drums: These are the parts where the brake pads rub in drum brake systems.

Operation of the Brake System

When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake booster is activated and increases the force coming from the brake pedal. The increased force transmits the pressure from the brake master to the brake fluid. Brake fluid reaches the wheel brake cylinders under pressure through brake hoses and pipes. The pistons in the brake cylinders move with the pressure of the brake fluid and push the brake pads against the wheels. Brake pads allow the vehicle to slow down or stop by rubbing against the wheels.

Brake System Types

Brake systems are divided into four main categories according to how they work:

Mechanical brakes: These are systems in which the force from the brake pedal is transmitted directly to the brake pads. It is not widely used today.
Hydraulic brakes: These are systems in which the force from the brake pedal is transmitted to the brake pads through the brake fluid. It is the most widely used brake system today.
Air brakes: These are systems in which the force from the brake pedal is transmitted to the brake pads through air pressure. It is used in trucks and buses.
Electric brakes: These are systems in which the force from the brake pedal is transmitted to the brake pads through the electric motor. It is a system that is becoming widespread in automobiles.

Maintenance and Repair of the Brake System

The brake system is a very important system for the safety of the vehicle. Therefore, the brake system must be maintained and repaired regularly. The following points should be taken into consideration in the maintenance of the brake system:

The wear condition of brake pads and discs should be checked. Worn pads and discs should be replaced.
The brake fluid level should be checked. If the level is low, the brake fluid must be topped up.
Brake pipes and hoses should be checked. Damaged pipes and hoses should be replaced.
General check of the brake system should be made. If there are defective parts, they must be repaired.

Repair of the brake system must be done by an expert technician. Improper repair of the brake system can cause serious safety problems.