Article image Maintenance of the brake system

8. Maintenance of the brake system

Page 127 | Listen in audio

The maintenance of the brake system is one of the most important aspects to ensure vehicle safety. This chapter of our e-book will cover vehicle brake system maintenance, from the basics to the most advanced.

First, it's important to understand that a vehicle's braking system is made up of several parts, including the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake discs, brake pads, and brake fluid. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the effective functioning of the braking system and requires regular maintenance to ensure its optimal performance.

1. Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is the component you use to engage the brake system. If the brake pedal is soft or if you have to press harder than usual to stop the vehicle, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the brake system. Regular brake pedal maintenance involves checking its strength and replacing any worn components.

2. Master Cylinder: The master cylinder is the component that converts the force you apply to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle. If the master cylinder is faulty, you may notice that the brake pedal sinks to the floor when you try to brake. Master cylinder maintenance usually involves replacing the master cylinder or rebuilding the existing master cylinder.

3. Brake Discs: Brake discs are the components that rotate with the vehicle's wheels. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads press against the brake discs to stop the vehicle. If the brake discs are worn or damaged, they may not be able to stop the vehicle effectively. Brake disc maintenance usually involves replacing brake discs or grinding existing brake discs to remove any irregularities.

4. Brake Pads: Brake pads are the components that press against the brake discs to stop the vehicle. If the brake pads are worn out, they may not be able to stop the vehicle effectively. Brake pad maintenance usually involves replacing the brake pads. It is important to note that brake pads must be replaced in pairs to ensure balanced braking performance.

5. Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is the means by which the force you apply to the brake pedal is transmitted to the brake discs. If the brake fluid is contaminated or if there is too little brake fluid, the brake system may not work effectively. Brake fluid maintenance usually involves checking the brake fluid level and replacing the brake fluid if necessary.

In addition, it is important to remember that maintenance of the brake system must be carried out by a qualified professional. While some brake system maintenance tasks, such as checking the brake fluid level, can be performed by skilled vehicle owners, other tasks, such as replacing the master cylinder or brake discs, require specialized technical knowledge and tools. specific.

In conclusion, regular maintenance of the brake system is essential to ensure vehicle safety. By following the brake system maintenance guidelines outlined in this chapter, you can ensure that your brake system works effectively and extend the life of your brake components.

Now answer the exercise about the content:

Which of the following brake system components is responsible for converting the force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle?

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