How does a car's braking system work?

The brake system of modern automobiles is mainly divided into two types: drum brake and disc brake. Here's how these two brake systems work:

Drum brake system:

Structure: Drum brake system is composed of brake drum, brake shoe, brake shoe return spring and brake pump. The brake drum is a part that rotates coaxial with the wheel, and the brake shoe is a part that is fixed on the brake shaft.

Working principle: When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake oil in the brake master pump will be pressed into the brake subpump. The piston in the sub-pump pushes the brake shoe outward, causing it to contact the inner wall of the brake drum and creating friction, thereby slowing or stopping the rotation of the wheel.

Disc brake system:

Structure: Disc brake system is composed of brake disc, brake caliper, brake pad and brake oil pipe. The brake disc is a disc that rotates coaxially with the wheel, and the brake calipers are fixed on the axle and contain brake pads.

Working principle: When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake oil in the brake master pump is pressed into the cylinder of the brake caliper. The piston in the cylinder pushes the brake pad to clamp against the brake disc, slowing or stopping the wheel through friction between the brake pad and the brake disc.

Power system:

Vacuum booster: Most modern cars are equipped with a brake booster to help the driver more easily press the brake pedal. The vacuum booster uses the vacuum created by the engine to increase the force of the brake pedal.

Electronic boosters: Some modern cars use electronic brake boosters, a system that electronically controls the force of the brake to provide more precise control.

Anti-lock braking System (ABS) :

The ABS system prevents the wheel from locking up during emergency braking and maintains traction between the wheel and the road surface, allowing the driver to still control direction while braking. ABS system by monitoring the speed of the wheel, automatically adjust the brake pressure, to prevent the wheel lock.

Maintenance of brake system:

Regular inspection of brake fluid level and wear of brake pads, timely replacement of worn brake pads and replenishment of brake fluid are important maintenance measures to ensure the normal operation of the brake system.

The design and maintenance of the brake system is crucial to ensure driving safety, so regular inspection and maintenance are essential.