Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System

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The braking system is a diagonally split, dual circuit design featuring front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with anti-lock control and traction control available on all models (standard on ST).

The hydraulic system provides separate circuits for each pair of diagonally opposed wheels (left front, right rear and right front, left rear). The front calipers, mounted on the wheel knuckle, are of a single sliding piston design which makes sure that equal effort is applied through both brake pads. The pads in all cases are asbestos-free.

The rear drum brakes are of conventional design. They feature one primary and one secondary shoe with bonded thick/thin asbestos-free linings. The thick/thin linings allow the shoes to wear at proportional rates. The brakes self-adjust during foot brake operation.

The rear disc brakes (ST) are a single piston, floating caliper type with non-vented brake discs. The rear disc brake calipers feature integral parking brake actuation utilizing the brake caliper piston to apply the brake pads to the brake disc.

The parking brake control is located between the front seats and operates the rear brakes through a cable system.

The master cylinder is of a tandem design and is linked to a brake booster to reduce the brake pedal effort. The tandem design will make sure that in the event of one brake circuit failure the other will remain fully operational. The master cylinder and brake booster are located on the same side as the steering wheel. The booster operating rod is connected directly to the brake pedal.

Vehicles fitted with the basic braking system have pressure conscious reducing valves (PCRVs). These are fitted between the master cylinder and the brake tubes to the rear wheels. The PCRVs control the hydraulic pressure applied to the rear brakes, thereby reducing the risk of rear wheel lock-up under braking.