Brake Safety Information
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The brake pedal is directly attached to the master cylinder.
Pedal pulsation, excessive pedal travel, a “soft” or “hard” pedal
can be indicators of serious problems, including a leak in the hydraulic system, low fluid
levels, or unevenly worn shoes or pads. |
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| Master Cylinder The
master cylinder acts as a holding tank for brake fluid until it is needed. When the brake
pedal is depressed, the master cylinder forces fluid to each of the vehicle's wheels.
Wear on the master cylinder's moving parts may allow brake fluid to leak, causing
unreliable stopping or possible system failure. |
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| Combination Valve A
vehicle's wheel can lock up if the front and rear brake systems are not working together
properly. Comprised of a metering valve, proportioning valve, and brake warning light, the
combination valve helps regulate the amount of pressure on each set of wheels –
making sure both front and rear brakes are applied at the same time. |
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| Wheel Cylinder The
wheel cylinder is a critical element in the drum brake assembly. It contains
fluid-activated pistons that push the shoes against the drums to slow the wheels.
The wheel cylinder is also the source of many brake problems. If brake fluid leaks from
the wheel cylinder, the vehicle could experience unreliable stopping, damage to new brake
shoes, or partial brake system failure. A sticking wheel cylinder may cause brake drag,
excessive pedal effort, and reduced braking efficiency. |
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| Drum
Brake Assembly A drum brake assembly is used to bring the rear wheels
of most vehicles to a stop. Fluid pressure from the master cylinder causes the wheel
cylinder to push the brake shoes against the brake drums which are attached to the
vehicle's rear wheels. The friction between the stationary shoes and the revolving drums
causes the drums to slow and stop the rear wheels.
Worn drums and shoes, however, can cause unreliable stopping, excessive pedal effort,
or brake pedal pulsation. |
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| Disc Brake Assembly Because
a disc brake assembly can absorb more heat than a drum brake assembly, most cars use disc
brakes for their front brake systems. When the brake pedal is pushed, brake fluid from the
master cylinder compresses the brake pads against the rotors attached to the vehicle's
front wheels. The friction between the stationary pads and the revolving rotors causes the
rotors and wheel to slow and stop. |
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| In day-to-day driving, these rotors
and pads are subject to much abuse, and should be checked periodically for wear. Faulty
disc brakes can cause excessive pedal travel, pumping or fighting pedal, vibration during
braking action, and brake failure. Artwork supplied courtesy of Wagner
Division, Cooper Industries. |
What Everyone Should Know About Wheel Alignment
From the Hunter Engineering Company Website and Brochure:
Click for
Original Article
On this vehicle, the front wheels are not aligned to the rear thrust line. This can
happen from normal wear and stress, whether your vehicle has adjustable or non-adjustable
rear suspension.
To steer straight ahead, you would have to steer the front wheels slightly to the
right.
A common result would be that the vehicle would “dog track” and possibly
“pull” to the side.
Of course, the angles are exaggerated so you can more easily see the condition. But it
takes only a small misalignment to create problems.
Why Four Wheel Alignment?
Reduced Tire Wear
Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly
aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life.
Better Gas Mileage
Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheel
parallel which, along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.
Improved Handling
Does your car pull to one side? Does the steering wheel vibrate? Do you constantly have to
move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead? Many handling problems
can be corrected by total alignment. With all the system components aligned properly, road
shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.
Safer Driving
A suspension system inspection is part of our alignment procedure. This allows us to spot
worn parts before they cause costly problems.
Here's what we do:
For vehicles with non-adjustable rear suspensions
- Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
- The steering wheel is centered.
- Front wheels are referenced to rear thrust line and set to specifications.
Result: All four wheels are parallel and the steering wheel is centered.
For vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions
- Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
- Rear wheels are set to specification. (Rear thrust line corresponds to vehicle
centerline.)
- Steering wheel is centered.
- Front wheels are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to specification.
Result: all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel, and the
steering wheel is centered.
Important Questions About Wheel Alignment
Q. How important is wheel alignment?
A. Think of it this way. Research indicates that the
average car is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just 0.34
degrees (Just 0.17 inches) out of specification has dragged its tires sideways for more
than 68 miles by the end of the year!
Q. What are the “symptoms” of a car that's out
of alignment?
A. Have your car checked if you notice:
- Excessive or uneven tire wear.
- Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
- Feeling of looseness or wandering.
- Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
- Steering wheel is not centered when car is moving straight ahead.
Q. How often should I have my car aligned?
A. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted
in your owner's manual. But, as a general rule, have your vehicle's tires checked every
10,000 miles or at least once a year. 
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