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There’s no safety system on a vehicle more important than the braking system. This system helps slow down the rotation of the wheels when the brake pedal is depressed, ensuring a vehicle comes to a complete stop.
There’s a lot going on within a braking system during this process. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of systems, the parts they include and how they work.
Braking systems in passenger vehicles use two primary types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. While they both bring a vehicle to a stop, they differ in design and operation.
Disc brakes are the only type used in the front of vehicles but may be found at all four wheels. All passenger vehicles made and sold in the United States will have disc brakes on the front and possibly the rear as well, while drum brakes will only be found on the rear of U.S autos.
Drum brake systems were the first in-tire systems introduced, released in 1900 and patented in 1902 by engineer Louis Renault. While the first designs were completely mechanical and used levers to operate, by the mid-1930s they were applied using hydraulic pressure.
This system consists of a master cylinder that sends pressurized brake fluid to the wheel cylinder located inside the brake drum. This pressure causes the pistons in the cylinder to expand and press the brake shoes against the inner surface of the brake drum, which creates friction to help slow the spinning of the wheels.
While disc brakes were patented the same year as drum brakes, it took almost half a century for the designs to become practical and cost-effective for use in automobiles.
The superior performance over drum brakes was first realized by Jaguar in 1953, when they used them on a race car that triumphed over other cars using drum brakes. Later that same year, a production car was sold with all disc brakes. Since then, they’ve been considered the standard for most vehicles.
This system consists of a master cylinder that sends pressurized brake fluid to the brake caliper, causing its pistons to press against a steel rotor disc, creating friction to slow the spinning of the wheels.
While drum brakes have their place, they also have disadvantages when compared with the disc type. Manufacturers have come to prefer the disc braking system because of its many advantages, which include:
Every part in a braking system plays a key role in the stopping process. While disc and drum brakes have some similar parts, they do differ quite a bit.
The drum brake system consists of the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, primary and secondary brake shoes, multiple springs, retainers, and adjustment mechanisms.
When it comes to how long these parts last, a lot of variables come into play. Typically, the drum brake housing (the drum itself) is designed to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Brake shoes have a lower lifespan depending on use, usually anywhere between 35,000 to 60,000 miles.
Major parts of a disc brake system include the master cylinder, caliper, rotor and pads.
How long do disc brake pads last? The answer to this varies based on a range of factors, including how much pressure is applied during the stopping process and how often they’re used. Automotive technicians usually estimate most vehicles will get between 25,000 to 65,000 miles for brake pads and 30,000 to 70,000 miles for brake rotors.
The best thing to do is just pay attention to how your car feels during the braking process and getting the system checked out on a regular basis to catch problems early.
There are several indicators of problems with different parts of the braking system. It’s important to get your car checked when you notice these things to ensure you get any necessary repairs done:
Pursuing a career as an automotive technician can help give you the opportunity to learn all about brake systems. The skilled trades are growing — total auto technician employment is expected to be 743,800 by 2031.47 Training as an automotive technician at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) can give you the hands-on experience employers are looking for when hiring.1
Courses taught over UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program cover a range of topics for the role, including a section about vehicle braking systems. You can graduate in less than a year ready for an entry-level position in the industry!7
Interested in finding out more? Request more information, or call 800-834-7308 today!
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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
47) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total national employment for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics will be 743,800 by 2031. See Table 1.2 Employment by detailed occupation, 2021 and projected 2031, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed October 13, 2022. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
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