Do You Understand Brake Repair Lingo

When you take your vehicle in for brake repair, the terms the mechanic uses may seem like Greek to you. Understanding what the basic parts of your braking system do may help alleviate the language barrier and help you communicate effectively with your brake repair professional of choice.

A major part of your braking system is the caliper, which contains the pads and the pistons. Calipers can be either floating or fixed. Floating calipers, which can also be called "sliding calipers," move in relationship to the disc, parallel to the access of the disc's rotation. Fixed calipers, by contrast, do not move and are more complex and expensive. Both types of calipers have their down sides: Floating calipers can have trouble sticking, due to corrosion or dirt that inhibits their movement, while fixed calipers are less tolerant of imperfections in the disc.

The pistons, which are made of chrome-plated steel or aluminum, utilize hydraulic circuits to multiply the braking force brought against the brake pedal to increase the intensity of movement as the piston works against the brake disc. Typically, the calipers of modern vehicles include between six and twelve pistons, referred to as "pots." Pistons push against inner pads until making contact with the braking surface. When pistons fail to retract properly, braking failure can occur; this condition is often caused by leaving a vehicle set outside for an extended period of time, during harsh weather.

Discs are also called rotors. These are connected to wheels or axles and are protected by a liquid boundary provided by braking pads. Replacing braking pads is one of the most regular maintenance needs of any vehicle. While older pads were made from asbestos, which can be harmful to breath in, most newer pads are made from plastics or ceramics; most use keylar. Most modern automobiles also include mechanisms with soft metal, which rubs against the discs, warning the driver when pads need to be replaced by giving off a squealing sound. Others may send electric impulses so a warning light shows up, and luxury vehicles may use electronic sensors.

A couple acronyms related to your vehicle's braking system are ABS and EBA. "EBA" stands for "Emergency Braking Assist," which is one of the electronic functions of the "Anti-lock Braking System."

From calipers to discs, pads to pistons, brake repair doesn't have to seem like a foreign language. By understanding a few key terms and parts, you can be sure to understand a little more the next time you discuss your brakes with your trusty mechanic.