There are two common types of car brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes, which can both look different. However, they do have similar characteristics, such as having a circular assembly that’s directly mounted to the wheel.
Disc brakes are typically found on the front wheels, while drum brakes can be found on the rear wheels. However, some vehicles have disc brakes on all four wheels, but front drum brakes disappeared in the late 1960s. In both types of systems, the driver controls the brakes by pressing on the brake pedal or activating the emergency hand brake.
Disc Brake System
In a disc brake system, a flat, circular disc called the rotor is mounted behind the wheel. The caliper, which looks like a clamp, has brake pads that pinch the disc to stop the vehicle. This caliper is bolted to the steering knuckle so that when the caliper piston extends to apply “pinch” pressure to the rotor, the caliper’s solid mounting prevents it from following the rotor and forces the rotor and subsequently the wheel and the vehicle to stop.
Drum Brake System
It consists of several car brake components inside the housing, such as two curved shoes lined with friction material (see diagram). These brake shoes press against the drum to help stop the vehicle.
What Are the Other Parts of a Car Brake System?
To give you a better idea of what a car brake looks like, here’s a brief guide on other brake system components:
Brake Pedal
Master Cylinder
When you press on the brake pedal, you create a mechanical force that is then converted by the master cylinder into hydraulic pressure.
This hydraulic pressure then travels through the brake lines to the calipers or wheel cylinders, where it helps apply enough force to stop the vehicle.
Brake Lines
Brake lines are formed metal tubes bolted to the frame and attached to the master cylinder except where hoses are required for flexibility due to suspension and steering movement at the wheels. The lines and hoses must be capable of holding up to 3000 psi during panic stops.
Brake Fluid
This is a type of automotive fluid that transfers the force from your brake pedal to the rest of the brake system.
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