When you push on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is forced from the master cylinder through the brake lines, down to the pistons in the calipers or wheel cylinders, forcing them to expand putting pressure on the pads or shoes. On disc brake setups the caliper piston squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. On a drum brake setups the wheel cylinder piston pushes the brake shoe against the drum causing the wheel to stop. This is just a part of what is happening. The Braking system is basically an instrument that changes energy. When moving your car has kinetic energy by applying the brake the kinetic energy is converted into thermal (heat) energy via friction created by the pads rubbing against the rotors. The cooling of the brakes dissipates the heat and the vehicle slows down.

A typical automotive disc brake system consists of:

– Pads – The brake pads are main components of the braking system. They consist of a steel backing plate and a molder, bonded or riveted friction material puck. A typical brake set usually contains 4 pucks 2 inner and 2 outer for one front or rear axle. There are many different types of friction materials depending on the use of the vehicle.

– Rotors – Disc Brake Rotors are found on many different types of vehicles, from bicycles to airplanes and are made of many different materials. The most commonly used in road cars and trucks are made of cast iron. Cast iron is used because it absorbs and dissipated heat well, resists ware and is inexpensive compared to other metals.

– Power Booster – The Power Brake Booster amplifies the pressure applied to the brake pedal so that less foot pressure is needed to apply the brakes. There are different types Power Brake Booster the most popular are the vacuum and the hydraulic type

– Hydraulic Master Cylinder – The master cylinder is a hydraulic pump powered by your foot which converts non hydraulic pressure to hydraulic pressure to move components at the other end of the braking system. The pressure created by your foot is transferred by the master to the pistons in the caliper or wheel cylinder. The Master Cylinder is located in the engine compartment usually on driver side and also contains the brake fluid reservoir mounted on top.

– Brake Fluid – Brake fluid is formulated to withstand high temperatures without boiling and cold temperatures without thickening. Brake fluid is also designed to absorb moisture so that it won’t collect causing rust or freeze in cold weather. All brake fluids must meet standers set by the Department of Transportation.

– ABS System (optional)

– Proportioning Valve – The Proportioning valve are designed to adjust the pressure between the front and rear brakes. Usually mounted on the fire wall bellow the master cylinder. The valve directs less pressure to the rear brakes to preventing premature lockup under heavy braking.

– Calipers – The Caliper pushes the brake pads against the brake rotors when pressure is applied via steel pistons.

– Hoses and Line – The brake lines and hoses transfer brake fluid pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers or wheels cylinder. Brake lines are usually made of bent steel tubing wile standard brake hoses are made of reinforced rubber. Also available in the aftermarket are Stainless Steel Braided Performance Hoses, these houses reducing expansion which improve braking and provide a firmer pedal feel.

– Wheel and Tiers – Yes the tires are part of the braking system as they are the contact with the road. Bad tires will dramatically affect braking performance

You should have your brake checked frequently not only for safety reasons, but also to avoid costly repairs due to damaged caused by warn parts. As all vehicles are different you should check the correct schedule in your owner’s manual.

Signs that you may need brake service:

– Noise, squealing or grinding when brakes are applied.

– Stopping distance is increasing.

– Increased brake pedal travel.

– Steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes.

– Vehicle pulls to the right or left when brakes are applied.

When your brakes or rotors need replacing, use quality, tested products designed for your vehicle. Also consider upgrading your brakes for improved stopping and reliability. SP Performance manufactures Rotors and Brake Pads that improve performance and reliability at a reasonable price.

SP Performance rotors are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and made for most cars, trucks, and SUV\’s on the road today.

Purchase a set of SP Performance Rotors or Street Plus Brake Pads from Performance Parts and Accessories.com today and receive a 5% discount on orders over $150.00. Just enter discount code ISPPA-4789-5 in the checkout page. Offer ends 4/30/2012

Purchase a set of SP Performance Rotors or Street Plus Brake Pads from http://www.performance-parts-accessories.com today and receive a 5% discount on orders over $150.00. Just enter discount code ISPPA-4789-5 in the checkout page. Offer ends 4/30/2012

Author Bio: Purchase a set of SP Performance Rotors or Street Plus Brake Pads from Performance Parts and Accessories.com today and receive a 5% discount on orders over $150.00. Just enter discount code ISPPA-4789-5 in the checkout page. Offer ends 4/30/2012

Category: Automotive
Keywords: drilled and slotted rotors, performance Brake Pads, Brake Pads, Performance Parts, Brake Rotors