Brake Hydraulics

Brake hydraulics refers to a system that consists of a series of brakes and tubes connected to a master cylinder. When you step on the brakes, a plunger goes down the master cylinder and forces brake fluid into the various braking units at each wheel. The fluid helps the wheels slow to a complete stop, with the pressure of your foot controlling the slowdown and deceleration.

Parts of the brake hydraulics system

  • Hydraulic fluid: This is the most important component of brake hydraulics. It is made of a special oil designed to withstand hot and cold temperatures without thickening or boiling. The approved fluid for brake hydraulics has a boiling point of 460°C.
  • Master cylinder: The cylinder serves as the reservoir of fluid in the brake hydraulics system. It is located right in front of the driver's seat. In most brake hydraulics systems, the master cylinder actually consists of two cylinders, each connected to two of the wheels. This way, if one cylinder fails, the brake hydraulics will still work and you can still stop the car.
  • Brake lines: Brake lines consist of steel and rubber tubings. Rubber is used where flexibility is required, such as the front wheels.
  • Disk/drum brakes: These parts transmit the fluid from the tubings into the wheels themselves. They work by creating friction against the wheels, slowing them down to a stop.

Maintaining brake hydraulics systems

Air is your biggest enemy when it comes to brake hydraulics. Bubbles in the brake fluid can caus sponginess and slow braking. Bleeder screws on the cylinders are used to "bleed out" the bubbles if air is suspected. For more information on using and maintaining brake hydraulics systems, visit us at BrakeHydraulics.

Brake Hydraulics Articles

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