The current tidal surge of automobile ownership is merging with emerging tendencies towards automation and artificial intelligence. It now conveys not only people's relentless quest for increased productivity, connectivity, and quality of life, but also more than just a mode of transportation. The braking system is of paramount importance to vehicle safety. From the instant you gently engage the pedal until the car reaches a complete halt, the entire system exemplifies meticulous and dependable collaboration. Routine examination and maintenance of the system is fundamental to ensuring life safety.
What is brake? How do car brakes work?
The braking system is the paramount safety mechanism in a vehicle, with a singular objective: to enable the car to decrease reliably, halt stably, or maintain a stationary position.
It can be regarded as an "energy converter": A vehicle possesses a substantial amount of kinetic energy while in motion. The braking system generates friction to transform the vehicle's kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is released into the atmosphere, therefore diminishing the vehicle's speed until it halts.
The core working process of the car braking system: Step on the pedal → booster amplifies the force → master pump generates oil pressure → transmitted through the oil pipe → sub-pump pushes the friction parts → friction with the rotating parts → vehicle decelerates.
What does the car brake system include?
1. The braking system is a precise mechanism including numerous interdependent components. It functions as a mechanism that conveys and enhances power, finally halting the vehicle through friction. The subsequent delineation categorises its primary elements:
- Brake pedal: The starting end operated by the driver is a lever.
- Vacuum booster: A power amplifier that uses engine vacuum to greatly reduce the amount of force needed to press the pedal.
- Master brake cylinder: the hydraulic heart of the system. Converts mechanical force into hydraulic pressure of brake fluid.
- Brake fluid and lines: The system's veins and arteries. Brake fluid: A special incompressible liquid used to transmit pressure. Lines: Carry high-pressure brake fluid to each wheel.
- Brake wheel cylinder (actuator): Located at each wheel, it converts oil pressure back into mechanical force. In disk brakes, it is the brake caliper (including the piston). In drum brakes, it is the brake wheel cylinder.
- Friction parts (consumables): Brake pads: Used for disk brakes. Brake shoes: Used for drum brakes.
- Rotating parts: Brake disk: The metal disk in a disk brake. Brake drum: The bell-shaped metal drum in a drum brake.
2. Modern key safety components
ABS anti-lock braking system: prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, maintains steering ability, and optimizes braking distance.
What are the symptoms of the brake system that need to be cleaned?
The most direct and typical manifestation of the "braking system needs to be cleaned" is typically the "sensory abnormal noise" and "physical abnormal feeling" that occur during braking. It is probable that the braking system (primarily callipers, brake pads, and brake discs) has accumulated an excessive amount of brake dust, oil, or a minor obstruction, necessitating cleaning and maintenance. If your vehicle exhibits any of the following symptoms, it is time to address the issue.
- Brake noise (squealing, grinding): A high-pitched screech or grinding noise that occurs when the brakes are applied lightly. This is typically the result of the brake pads rubbing against the brake rotor due to the presence of small particles of metal grit or hard contaminants.
- Brake pulsation (steering wheel or pedal pulsation): A high-frequency pulsation or vibration is perceived in the steering wheel or brake pedal during moderate or severe braking, as if a "machine gun" were being fired.
- The stroke is longer or the brake lever feels softer: The brake lever is now "softer" than it was previously, necessitating that you press it more deeply to achieve the same level of braking force.
- A continuous "rustling" or slight metallic friction sound can be heard from the wheel when driving or rotating the steering wheel, even if the brake is not applied.
- A sensation of "not being able to stop" or a decrease in braking efficiency: the vehicle's braking force is less effective, and the braking distance is longer than it was previously.
How to properly clean the brake system?
The brake callipers, pads, and discs are the primary targets of brake system cleaning. In order to keep the optimum braking performance, avoid abnormal noise, and prevent abnormal wear, it is necessary to remove metal dust and dirt that is formed by wear.
1. Tools and materials needed:
2. Safe preparation and disassembly
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To be safe, before you park, make sure the ground is level, press the parking brake, and block the wheels. Before proceeding, ensure that the braking system has cooled down fully.
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If you want to lift your vehicle with ease, jack up one side and then, for added protection, put safety stands under the body support points. Never use a jack to support a car while working below it.
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To access the brake system, remove the wheel and remove the bolts holding the tyre on.
3. Preliminary cleaning and inspection
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Inspect visually: Before cleaning, make sure the brake pads are thick enough, the brake disc is flat and free of deep grooves, and the calliper piston and dust cover aren't broken or leaking oil. It should be changed immediately in the event of significant wear and tear.
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To prevent the cleaner from directly spraying electronic components, cover them with plastic bags. This includes wheel speed sensors and ABS lines if they are nearby.
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Start by brushing off any loose dirt and dust from the brake pad brackets and callipers.
4. Deep Cleaning (Core Step)
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Apply Biaobang brake cleaner spray:
Put on your protective gear—the cleaning can irritate your skin.
Direct the straw towards the four corners of the calliper, the two ends of the brake pad, and the inside and outside of the brake disc.
To dissolve brake dust and oil, use brief, multiple bursts of the cleaner. As it disperses, the foam will trap any debris.
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Thoroughly cleanse:
Scrubbing with a brush dampened with cleanser will remove even the most entrenched stains. braking pad brackets (springs) and calliper sliding pin guide grooves should be cleaned thoroughly, since they often become jammed and produce eccentric wear and irregular braking noise.
- Let the cleaner do its job and then let it air dry naturally. No residue will be left behind and it will dry rapidly.
5. Assembly and final inspection
- Tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle, reinstall the wheel, and torque the lug nuts: Follow the owner's manual's instructions for the recommended torque value when tightening the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern using a torque wrench.
- Final Test: Stay on the road and go slowly. The brake pads and discs can recover to their optimal contact position after a few light steps on the brake pedal. Make sure there is no strange sounds before continuing on your typical driving route.
How to effectively clean the vehicle's brake system - All in all
The maintenance of the braking system on a regular basis is a profound element of driving wisdom. The most significant hazards are circumvented at the lowest possible cost. This encompasses not only the preservation of machinery but also the wonder of life. The purpose of each professional maintenance is to provide an irreplaceable guarantee that the road will be secure to travel home.
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