Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is directly
attached to the master cylinder.
Pedal pulsation, excessive pedal
travel, a "soft" or "hard" pedal can be
indicators of serious problems, including a leak in the
hydraulic system, low fluid levels, or unevenly worn shoes or
pads.
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The master cylinder acts as a
holding tank for brake fluid until it is needed. When the brake
pedal is depressed, the master cylinder forces fluid to each of
the vehicle's wheels.
Wear on the master cylinder's
moving parts may allow brake fluid to leak, causing unreliable
stopping or possible system failure.
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A vehicle's wheel can lock up if
the front and rear brake systems are not working together
properly. Comprised of a metering valve, proportioning valve,
and brake warning light, the combination valve helps regulate
the amount of pressure on each set of wheels -- making sure both
front and rear brakes are applied at the same time.
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The wheel cylinder is a critical
element in the drum brake assembly. It contains fluid-activated
pistons that push the shoes against the drums to slow the
wheels.
The wheel cylinder is also the
source of many brake problems. If brake fluid leaks from the
wheel cylinder, the vehicle could experience unreliable
stopping, damage to new brake shoes, or partial brake system
failure. A sticking wheel cylinder may cause brake drag,
excessive pedal effort, and reduced braking efficiency.
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A drum brake assembly is used to
bring the rear wheels of most vehicles to a stop. Fluid pressure
from the master cylinder causes the wheel cylinder to push the
brake shoes against the brake drums which are attached to the
vehicle's rear wheels. The friction between the stationary shoes
and the revolving drums causes the drums to slow and stop the
rear wheels.
Worn drums and shoes, however,
can cause unreliable stopping, excessive pedal effort, or brake
pedal pulsation.
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Because a disc brake assembly can
absorb more heat than a drum brake assembly, most cars use disc
brakes for their front brake systems. When the brake pedal is
pushed, brake fluid from the master cylinder compresses the
brake pads against the rotors attached to the vehicle's front
wheels. The friction between the stationary pads and the
revolving rotors causes the rotors and wheel to slow and stop.
In day-to-day driving, these rotors and pads are subject to much
abuse, and should be checked periodically for wear. Faulty disc
brakes can cause excessive pedal travel, pumping or fighting
pedal, vibration during braking action, and brake failure.
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We make no guarantees or warranties, either
expressed or implied, with respect to the data on this site. All dollar
amounts, rates, specifications, equipment and other data are subject to
change without notice.
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