What Makes Up The Braking System?

Parts Of The Brake System

When most people think about their brake system, they usually think about the pads and rotors. Throughout a vehicle’s life, these components are most common to be replaced. However, there’s a lot more to brakes than meets the eye. The brake system is composed of several components that keep the whole thing together.

Our staff at Mekaniks Plus in Oxnard, CA, know that the brake system can be a bit difficult to understand. Don’t fret though, our team of ASE-certified technicians have years upon years of experience dealing with all forms of brake repair. To help you understand the brake system, we’ll share with you the various parts that make up the brakes, and what repairs to look out for.

Brake Parts And Components

The most common of the brake parts are the pads and rotors. The pad is squeezed into the rotor, which produces friction and brings you to a stop. Housing the rotor is something called the brake caliper. It contains a piston that forces hydraulic brake fluid to travel to the caliper and create pressure when you step on the brakes. The pressure actuates the piston which presses the pad.

Smaller parts like the brake caliper pins and brackets help hold the caliper together. The pins allow the caliper to squeeze and decompress, while the caliper brackets pull the pad away from the rotor, allowing them to cool. Beyond the brake assembly are the brake lines, or hoses. As you apply the brakes, the fluid passes through the lines to assembly. The fluid itself is housed in a reservoir, found in the front of the vehicle.

Repair And Maintenance

Overall, your pads and rotors will make a good part of your vehicle’s brake maintenance. Depending on their usage, pads need replacing around 50 to 60,000 miles, while rotors can last upwards of 70,000 miles. As for the brake caliper and its smaller components, they are replaced every ten years. Brakes are usually very robust, and can go around five or six years before needing replacement.

In regards to your vehicle’s brake fluid, we recommend having it flushed every 20,000 miles to be safe. The best thing we can share with you when it comes to maintenance is to look after your brakes. If you find there to be an issue, it’s probably a good time to come in and have them checked.

It may be a lot to take in, but it’s important for you to know what all goes to the braking of your vehicle. If you’d like more information about brake repair and service, please give us a call . We can’t wait to chat with you soon!