Principles of Operation

Principles of Operation

Hydraulic Brake System
Applying the brake pedal uses lever action to push a rod into the brake booster, which through the use of vacuum, boosts the force of the rod and then transmits this force into the master cylinder. This produces hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. On vehicles not equipped with anti-lock brake systems (ABS), the hydraulic pressure is transmitted by brake fluid through the brake lines to the individual brake calipers or wheel cylinders. On vehicles equipped with ABS, the hydraulic pressure is transmitted by brake fluid through the brake lines to the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU), which then distributes that pressure to the individual brake calipers or wheel cylinders. The brake calipers or wheel cylinders use hydraulic pressure to apply the pads or shoes. The application of the brake pads or shoes will cause the rotation of the wheels to slow or stop depending on how much brake pressure is applied. The parking brakes carry out the same function except that they are mechanically actuated by a cable that connects only to the rear brakes.

Adjustable Pedals
The brake pedal position is changed in phase with the accelerator pedal. The system is adjusted by pressing the dash-mounted switch that powers the adjustable pedal motor mounted on the accelerator pedal assembly. The 2-way motor operates backward (toward the driver) or forward (away from the driver) to adjust the accelerator pedal directly and the brake pedal through the drive cable attached to the brake pedal assembly.