Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System
The brake system consists of the following components:
^ Fixed or optional power adjustable brake pedal
^ Front dual piston brake calipers
^ Master cylinder and fluid reservoir
^ Optional ABS
^ Optional hydraulic control unit (HCU)
^ Rear single piston brake calipers with an integrated parking brake system
^ Vacuum-assisted power brake booster

The brake pedal is connected to the power brake booster, which is connected to the brake master cylinder. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is pushed through the doubled-walled steel tubes and flexible hoses to the front and rear disc brake calipers. The brake fluid enters the disc brake calipers, forcing the caliper pistons and brake pads outward against the brake disc friction surface, slowing or stopping rotation. When the brake pedal is released, brake fluid pressure is relieved, returning the front and rear disc brake caliper pistons and brake pads to the unapplied position.

The vehicle has an optional adjustable brake pedal to increase driver comfort. 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.