Description of the car braking system (VW Golf 4)

According to its purpose and functions, the braking system is divided into working, spare, parking and emergency. The working braking system ensures the regulation of the vehicle speed and its stopping with the required efficiency. The spare system serves to stop the vehicle with the required efficiency in the event of failure of the working braking system. The parking system serves to hold the vehicle motionless relative to the road. It is mainly used to hold a parked vehicle, but it can also be used as an emergency system in the event of failure of the working braking system.

The vehicle uses a hydraulically driven service brake system with diagonally split circuits, which significantly increases the safety of driving the vehicle. If one of the circuits fails, the second circuit is used as a backup brake system, ensuring that the vehicle stops with sufficient efficiency.

The braking system consists of a master cylinder, a vacuum brake booster and disc brakes on the front and disc or drum brakes on the rear wheels.

The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment above the master cylinder and supplies the brake system and clutch with brake fluid. The brake booster reduces the force on the brake pedal, making it easier to control the car.

The front wheel brake mechanism is a disc brake with a movable caliper. It fits well into the wheel, has a small number of parts, including seals, and a small mass. Since heat is transferred through one cylinder, the brake fluid heats up less.

The handbrake acts on the rear wheels via a cable drive.

Warning: When brake pads are in operation, brake dust is generated which contains asbestos which is harmful to health, so do not use compressed air or inhale the dust when cleaning brake pads.

Warning: When driving on a wet road, it is recommended to press the brake pedal from time to time to remove harmful inclusions from the brake discs. Due to centrifugal force, water is thrown off the brake discs during movement, but a thin film of fats, silicones, rubber residues, grease and dirt remains on them, which reduces the effectiveness of braking. When stopping the car after driving in the rain, at the end of the journey, it is recommended to dry the brakes by pressing the brake pedal.

Warning: After installing new brake pads, they must be run in. During the first 200 km of running, it is not recommended to perform maximum braking unless necessary.

Warning: Corroded brake discs cause a vibration effect during braking, which does not disappear during prolonged braking. In this case, the brake discs must be replaced.

Warning: The brake fluid used in the hydraulic brake system is poisonous, so if it gets on your skin, immediately rinse the area with plenty of water. If the fluid accidentally gets into your eyes or inside your body, you should immediately consult a doctor. Some fluids are highly flammable and can catch fire even from contact with hot vehicle components. In addition, brake fluid dissolves paint and plastic, so if the fluid gets on your vehicle's paintwork, rinse it with plenty of water. This fluid is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, and therefore it is not recommended to use the fluid if it has been stored in an open container for a long time.

The original article is available at VWManual.ru

Warning: Brake fluid should not come into contact with mineral oils. Even a small amount of mineral oil will damage the brake fluid and the brake system.