Car And Truck Brake Parts

Power Brakes

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Power Brakes
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Sometimes it seems like there are more brake systems in the mountain biking world than there are types of bikes. But in spite of all the brands, descriptions and models you'll see there are really only two basic types.

Rim Brakes

Rim brakes have been around for over 100 years, when metal bicycle wheels first become widely used. But even though they're over a century old, they're still the most common design.

Rim brakes work by having a pair of pads, usually some type of synthetic rubber, squeeze the metal rim of the wheel. The pads are generally actuated by a hand lever on the bike. Rim brakes use a simple, low-cost design that is quite effective, but there are a few drawbacks to them.

If the bike is travelling at high speed, it can take a lot of force to slow it down. And it can also be hard to slow it down quickly, especially on a mountain bike which is often travelling downhill.

Another problem with rim brakes is that they often squeal. Because there is a lot of friction between the brake pads and the rim, it can cause the metal to vibrate which results in the squealing sound. This is obviously not a problem that can be solved with a little grease! As a matter of fact, even mud or water - both of which are common when mountain biking - can decrease the effectiveness of rim brakes.

Brake pads also tend to wear out quickly when used regularly, so they will need to be replaced on a regular basis. Pads are available in harder and softer materials. The softer pads have more braking power, but wear out faster, while harder pads will last longer but require more hand pressure to slow the bike down.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes overcome most of the problems that are associated with rim brakes. They still work by having calipers squeeze against metal to slow down the bike, but the metal is not the wheel itself but a disc that is attached to the wheel. These type of brakes use the same principles as disc brakes in a car.

Cost, weight and other issues kept disc brakes from becoming widely used on mountain bikes for a long time. But as the technology improved, this has become less of an issue. And with the cost of a good mountain bike being quite high already, the cost of the brakes relative to the bike overall is really not that great.

Disc brakes will work in almost any environment. Mud, water and even snow or ice don't lessen the braking power. And because the discs are close to the axle at the center of the wheel, they don't come into contact with as many environmental materials anyway.

Because disc brakes have a larger surface area, along with higher friction materials, they give the rider more braking power, keeping them safer overall.

Scot Miller writes about mountain bike ratings and other related topics at the MountainBikeBrands.com website.

Click here for more helpful information and to enter our free draw for a multifunction bike tool: Mountain Bike Brands

Knowing the Blood and Lifeline of Your Car’s System - Brake, Power Steering, Battery and Radiator Coolant Fluids

Now that you’ve known the other car care basics, perhaps it’s time we take a look at the fluid essentials that are literally the life giving blood of your car.

1. Brake Fluid- Is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in hydraulic brake applications of your car, motorcycles and trucks. This type of fluid is used to transfer force under pressure from its point of origin among hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism close to the wheels.

Most brake fluids today are composed of glycol-ether but several types with mineral oil and silicone composites are also out in the market. This type of fluid should meet stringent requirements set by organizations such as SAE and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) - hence you get ratings on labels such as SAE or DOT 3 and 4 compliance.

As a rule of thumb, brake fluid should always be replenished if the levels in its container decrease with every drive. Fluid level in the master cyclinder will drop as the linings, brake pads and shoes wear and the calipers extend further to compensate. Brake fluid level may also be low because of leaking, which can lead to loss of hydraulic pressure and the most dangerous- brake loss.

It is very important to constantly monitor your brake fluid levels to ensure safe driving and fill according to the set level. Flush and change your brake fluid every 1-2 years to further ensure reliability and take note to never mix brake fluids with different DOT ratings as this can result to poor fluid performance.

2. Power Steering – Is another type of hydraulic fluid that transmits the power steering system of cars, trucks and other modes of transportation.

This is the fluid that guards your power-steering pump and rack from wear and tear. It requires constant monitoring and refilling from time to time according to the required level in its cylinder.

A way to notice that your steering system is about to have a problem or that your power steering fluid is running low is when you turn the steering wheel and you hear whining noises. Have your car checked when this occurs to prevent serious damages to your power- steering system.

Note: There are products out in the market today that contain the combined properties of Power Steering and Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF). Use any of these products to save and be protected more.

3. Battery Fluid- Is the electrolyte fluid found inside the cells of your battery. If you are using the regular type of battery and not the maintenance free one, then you are required to refill your battery cells from time to time with electrolyte fluid.

Standard battery for cars is 12V and usually has 6 individual cells inside it. To refill, simply remove the vent caps that can either be found on top or on the sides of the battery. Check and fill the electrolyte fluid inside.

Note: There are some brands of maintenance free batteries out in the market today that can run on dual power- meaning they also have vent caps for electrolyte fluids in case their power supply run out. Although this type of battery may not come cheap, it would be best for you to use it.

4. Radiator Coolant- Is a mixture of anti-freeze fluid and water designed to protect the radiator and cooling system all year round. Using one will protect your engine from overheating. Most coolant products out in the market today come with various additives that can further help you against rust and other forms of corrosion, lubricate or increase the cooling efficiency of your cooling system.

Simply pour out the contents of your coolant to the radiator reservoir. Add water to the set level and you’re done.

For maintenance, it is very important for you to drain and flush your coolant once a year (or depending on the product recommendations) and replace it with a new one.

Note: Never mix different types of coolant together as this can lead to damage or a reduction of your car’s cooling system. Before changing to another brand, be sure to drain and flush your cooling system of the old one.

See to it that the reservoirs of these fluids are in constant levels and refill when they’re not enough. Properly maintaining them will help ensure your safety and prolong the life of your car.

Buckle up and drive safely.

Jovir Amatong

<a href="http://www.autoterminal.com">jamatong@autoterminal.com</a>

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Do I need to disconnect the power in my 2005 s430 before I work on the rear brakes?

I was told the rear brakes have to be disconnected from power source before working on them. Was told they are under high pressure and if did not use the correct scan tool or disconnect power it was highly likely they might explode due to the high pressure they are under.

Since I don't have any diagnostic or scan tools can I just disconnect the battery? ANd, were is the battery located?

Thank you

well if you dont know how to do the rear brakes nor know where the battery is, why dont you pay someone that is qualified to do that kind of work for you?

That is like asking: where is the liver inside of your body and how do you cut it out i want to try this transplant myself

Them’s the brakes
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