Hydraulic System: Description and Operation

Hydraulic Brake System

The hydraulic brake system is split in to two independent circuits: the primary circuit operates the front brakes and the secondary circuit operates the rear brakes. This type of system prevents complete brake failure in the event of a brake tube fracture.





The hydraulic brake system consists of the following components:

Master Cylinder and Reservoir





The tandem master cylinder contains two independent pistons, fluid pressure to each brake circuit is controlled by its own individual piston. Brake fluid is supplied to the master cylinder by the reservoir, which is divided into two sections to prevent total fluid loss should one of the circuits fail. A port situated at the bottom of each section of the reservoir supplies the fluid to each piston.

The fluid reservoir has a fluid-level indicator switch installed, which operates when the fluid level is low, causing the brake fluid level warning-lamp to illuminate.

Brake Calipers

The brake calipers are of the single piston type. The caliper carrier, which is secured to the vertical link by two bolts, carries the single-piston caliper housing. The caliper housing is secured to the caliper carrier by two guide-pins and a anti-rattle spring. When the brakes are applied, the caliper-housing piston pushes the brake pad in front of it, towards the brake disc. This movement forces the caliper housing to move along the guide-pins, in the opposite direction of the piston, to apply the second brake pad.