HYDRAULIC BRAKES
Hydraulic brakes use a special liquid called brake fluid to apply brake pressure to pads or shoes. Most cars have a hydraulic braking system. The main parts of this system are a chamber called a master cylinder, which is located near the brake pedal; at least one wheel cylinder at each wheel; and tubes called brake pipes, which connect the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders. The cylinders and brake pipes are filled with brake fluid.
Inside the master cylinder is a piston, which can slide back and forth. In a simple hydraulic system, the brake pedal controls this piston by means of a rod or some other mechanical link. When the driver pushes on the pedal, the piston inside the master cylinder exerts pressure on the fluid and slides forward a short distance. The fluid transmits this pressure through the brake pipes, forcing pistons in the wheel cylinders to move forward. As the wheel cylinders move forward, they apply brake pressure to pads or shoes.
The wheel cylinders are mounted in either disc brakes or drum brakes. Most cars have disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels.
