Brakes

Fluid pressure is transmitted through

• Compression

• Expansion

• Shear

• Bulk modulus

Reason why hydraulic fluid must be incompressible

• Ensure constant force transmission

• Prevent air entrapment

• Avoid thermal expansion

• Reduce Friction loss

Purpose of brakes fluid in hydraulic brakes

• Lubricates braking components

• Transfers pressure from pedal to disc

• Dissipates heat during braking

• Acts coolant for brake disc

Hydraulic brake systems use master cylinder to

• Convert mechanical force into hydraulic pressure

• Regulate pressure applied to brakes

• Measure brake fluid levels

• Generate braking torque

Phenomenon that causes hydraulic fluid to vapourise at high temperatures leading to brake failures

• Vapour lock

• Brake fade

• Cavitation

• Fluid boiling point

Type of brake fluid generally considered hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from air

• Dot 3

• Silocon based

• Dot 5

• Mineral oil based

Hydraulic advantage in brake systems is typically created by ratio of

• Wheel to piston size

• Piston size in master and slave cylinders

• Pedal travel to fluid displacement

• Pedal force to master cylinder displacement

Primarily responsible for returning brake pads to original position after braking

• Caliper

• Return Springs

• Brake rotor

• Brake piston

Role of brake booster in hydraulic brake system is to

• Enhance hydraulic pressure

• Increase mechanical force by driver

• Cool down brake fluid during operation

• Maintain fluid levels in master cylinder

Problems with using wrong type of brake fluid

• Excessive braking power

• Corrosion of brake system components

• Brake fluid becomes incompressible

• Need for frequent brake maintainance