What are brakes and how do they function?

Types of Brakes

There are primarily two types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. Both types rely on friction to stop the vehicle but operate differently.

1. Disc Brakes

Brake Rotor: A metal disc attached to the wheel.
Brake Pads: Press against the rotor to create friction.
Caliper: Houses the brake pads and uses hydraulic pressure to clamp them onto the rotor.
Hydraulic System: Transfers the force from the brake pedal to the caliper.

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid in the brake lines transmits the pressure to the calipers. The calipers then push the brake pads against the spinning brake rotor, creating friction that slows the wheel.

2. Drum Brakes

Brake Drum: A drum-shaped component attached to the wheel.
Brake Shoes: Curved friction pads inside the drum.
Wheel Cylinder: Uses hydraulic pressure to push the shoes against the drum.
Return Springs: Pull the shoes away from the drum when you release the brake.

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid forces the wheel cylinder to expand, pressing the brake shoes against the inner surface of the brake drum. The friction between the shoes and the drum slows the wheel.

Additional Components

Brake Master Cylinder: The main component that converts the brake pedal force into hydraulic pressure.
Brake Lines: Tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders.
Brake Booster: Provides additional force to the brake pedal, making it easier to press.

Function

Press Brake Pedal: You apply force to the brake pedal.
Hydraulic Pressure: This force is transmitted through the hydraulic system (brake fluid) to the calipers or wheel cylinders.
Friction: Brake pads (disc brakes) or brake shoes (drum brakes) press against the rotor or drum, creating friction.
Slowing Down: The friction converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat, slowing down the wheels and, thus, the vehicle.