Brake System Components
This hydraulic component squeezes brake pads against the rotor
What is a caliper?
The science of using pressurized liquids to transmit force and motion.
What is hydraulics?
This specially formulated, nonmineral oil-based liquid is used to transfer hydraulic pressure in brakes.
What is brake fluid?
Required safety equipment for your eyes in the shop.
What are safety glasses?
This tool measures torque in foot-pounds or Newton-meters.
What is a torque wrench?
This component is the hydraulic input device that generates system pressure.
What is the master cylinder?
The slight movement of the brake pedal before the pushrod begins moving into the booster or master cylinder.
What is free play?
Glycol-based brake fluids have this property, meaning they absorb moisture from the air.
What is hygroscopic?
The first thing to do if you spill oil or coolant on the floor
What is clean it up immediately?
This wrench grips a fastener on all sides and has open and box ends.
What is a combination wrench?
This brake part is mounted to the pedal bracket and turns on your brake lights.
What is a brake light switch?
This number represents the friction between two surfaces in contact.
What is the coefficient of friction (CoF)?
This term describes a loss of braking power when friction surfaces overheat.
What is brake fade?
The number of people allowed in the vehicle at one time, with the instructor's permission.
What is one person?
A common hydraulic lifting device found in home garages.
What is a floor jack?
This drum brake component pushes shoes outward against the drum using hydraulic pressure.
What is a wheel cylinder?
This process removes heat created during braking to prevent fade and damage.
What is heat dissipation?
This regular maintenance task helps remove moisture and contaminants from the brake fluid to maintain braking performance.
What is a brake fluid flush?
These must be positioned correctly before lifting a vehicle.
What are the lift arms?
This tool is used to measure rotor thickness.
What is a micrometer or measuring caliper?
This device uses engine vacuum to help reduce pedal effort.
What is a vacuum brake booster?
These rotors have curved vents for increased airflow and are often side-specific.
What are directional rotors?
This type of brake fluid is silicone-based, does not absorb moisture, and is not compatible with ABS.
What is DOT 5?
The maximum safe compressed air pressure for cleaning parts.
What is 30 PSI?
This brake service tool compresses the caliper piston back into its bore.
What is a C-clamp or brake caliper tool?