Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

DISC BRAKES

NOTE: The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may also be referred to as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) depending on the vehicle model year and configuration. Certain components may also reference ESP, ESC, or use the traction control symbol.

There are several brake packages available featuring a disc/disc combination.

- "16-inch" vented front disc/"14-inch" solid rear disc with ABS (BRF)
- "16-inch" vented front disc/"14-inch" solid rear disc with ESC (BRF)
- "16-inch" vented front disc/"16-inch" solid rear disc with ESC (BRG)

Only one package is available on Export vehicles, that is a "16-inch" vented front disc/"16-inch" (BRG) solid rear disc with ESC.

"16-INCH" FRONT DISCS
"16-inch" front disc brakes (so called because they are designed to fit inside 16-inch or larger wheels) feature 2.2 inch (57 mm) single-piston floating calipers acting on 11.5 x 1.0 in. (294 x 26 mm) vented disc rotors.

"14-INCH" REAR DISCS
"14-inch" rear disc brakes feature 1.4 inch (35 mm) single-piston floating calipers acting on 10.3 x 0.39 in. (262 x 10 mm) solid disc rotors.

"16-INCH" REAR DISCS
"16-inch" rear disc brakes feature 1.4 inch (35 mm) single-piston floating calipers acting on 11.8 x 0.39 in. (302 x 10 mm) solid disc rotors.

Each disc brake assembly consists of the following major components:

- Caliper
- Caliper adapter bracket
- Pads (Shoe and lining assemblies)
- Rotor





All brake calipers (4) are the low-drag type. New technology caliper construction allows minimal drag of the pads on the discs with low clearance to the rotors to maintain maximum pedal feel and responsiveness.

All calipers are coated, giving them a bright appearance. This coating offers corrosion protection and a long-term neat appearance. Steel pistons are used in all calipers.

The caliper guide pin bolts are of special interest. There are two different caliper guide pin bolts used at each brake caliper, one of which has a special sleeve at the tip of the guide pin. It is there for anti-rattle and noise suppression issues and must be placed correctly to work properly. At each front brake caliper (4) this bolt (2) is placed at the upper location.





At each rear brake caliper (1) this bolt (2) is placed at the upper location.

Front disc brakes are equipped with an audible wear indicator on the left side inboard brake pad only. The right side pads do not include an audible wear indicator.

Rear disc brakes are equipped with audible wear indicators on both left side and right side inboard brake pads.

When the brake pads are replaced, only brake pads meeting the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) formulation (such as Mopar(R) replacement parts) should be used.

All brake rotors are fully coated with zinc dust, water-soluble, environmentally friendly corrosion preventive. The vents are coated which ensures there will not be a loss of heat capacity over time.