Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System

The brake system consists of the following components:

- Front and rear disc brakes
- Cable/caliper actuated parking brake
- Brake master cylinder and fluid reservoir
- Vacuum-assisted power brake booster
- Four-wheel ABS
- Red brake light indicator

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 additional information on the following:

- Front disc brakes, refer to Disc Brake System.
- Rear disc brakes, refer to Disc Brake System.
- Parking brake actuation, refer to Parking Brake System.
- Hydraulic brake actuation, refer to Hydraulic System, Brakes &/or Brake Pedal Assy.
- Vacuum-assisted power brake booster, refer to Power Brake Assist.
- ABS, refer to Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems.