Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

This vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The front disc brakes consist of single piston calipers and ventilated rotors. The rear brakes are dual brake shoe, internal expanding units with cast brake drums. The parking brake mechanism is cable operated and connected to the rear brake trailing shoes. Power brake assist is standard equipment. A vacuum operated power brake booster is used on gas engine vehicles. A hydraulic booster is used on diesel engine vehicles.

Two antilock brake systems are used on this vehicle. A Rear Wheel Antilock (RWAL) brake system is standard. An all-wheel antilock Brake System (ABS) is available as an option. The RWAL and ABS systems are designed to retard wheel lockup while braking. Retarding wheel lockup is accomplished by modulating fluid pressure to the wheel brake units. Both systems are monitored by a microprocessor which controls the operation of the systems.