Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System

The brake system consists of the following components:

- ABS
- Cable drum-in-hat actuated parking brake system
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Hydro-Boost(R) or vacuum-assisted power brake booster
- Brake master cylinder and fluid reservoir
- Red brake warning indicator
- Brake vacuum pump (diesel engine only)

The brake pedal is connected to the power brake booster, which is connected to the brake master cylinder. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is pushed through the double-walled steel tubes and flexible hoses to the front and rear disc brake calipers. The brake fluid enters the disc brake calipers, forcing the caliper pistons and brake pads outward against the brake disc friction surface, slowing or stopping rotation. When the brake pedal is released, brake fluid pressure is relieved, returning the front and rear disc brake caliper pistons and brake pads to the unapplied position.

For information on the following components:

- Front disc brakes, refer to Front Disc Brake Front Disc Brake.
- Rear disc brakes, refer to Rear Disc Brake Rear Disc Brake.
- Parking brake actuation, refer to Parking Brake and Actuation Description and Operation.
- Hydraulic brake actuation, refer to Hydraulic Brake Actuation Description and Operation.
- Power brake booster, refer to Power Brake Actuation Description and Operation.
- ABS, refer to Vehicle Dynamic Systems Description and Operation.
- Brake vacuum pump, refer to Power Brake Actuation Description and Operation