Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation
Brake SystemThe brake system has the following components:
^ Diagonal split hydraulic system
^ Fixed position foot pedal
^ Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (4WABS).
^ Front brake discs utilizing a single piston floating brake caliper
^ Master cylinder
^ Mechanical parking brake system utilizing a drum-in-hat type brake within the rear brake discs
^ Rear drum brake system
^ Vacuum-assisted power brake booster
The brake pedal is connected to the power brake booster, which is connected to the brake master cylinder. When the brake pedal is applied, brake fluid is pushed through the doubled-walled steel tubes and flexible hoses to the front disc brake calipers and rear drum brake wheel cylinders. The brake fluid enters the disc brake calipers and drum brake wheel cylinders, forcing the caliper and cylinder pistons, brake pads, and brake shoes outward against the brake disc and drum friction surfaces, slowing or stopping wheel rotation. When the brake pedal is released, brake fluid pressure is relieved, returning the front disc brake and the rear drum brake systems to the unapplied position. The parking brake system uses the rear drum brakes and is self-adjusting.