[align=center]
How Disc Brakes Work
And Why They Fail [:@]
[/align][align=center]By TOM TORBJORNSEN[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]


[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]



Learn About Cars
[:-][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]With over 35 years of automotive experience, Tom makes learning about cars easy. Get more of his advice:
[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]With all the hoopla going on about the GM Brake Repair Litigation Settlement (on 1988 - 1993 Chevy Lumina, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix automobiles), I thought I'd dedicate a column to disc brakes ... what they are, how they work, what causes them to fail, and proper maintenance.

First, let's take a brief look at the Class Action Suit against GM, which was settled in August of 2000. What are you entitled to as an owner of one of these vehicles (providing you got your claim in before the due date, postmarked no later than Oct. 27, 2000)? To find this and any other information about the settlement, call toll free at 1-888-439-4793.[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]

Exactly what was the problem with the above mentioned vehicles? The rear brake calipers (and, infrequently, the front brake calipers) were seizing because the caliper slide pins were rusting up, due to exposure to weather elements (preventing the brake calipers from moving). Depending on the point at which they froze up, the calipers either stayed applied and would not release, or they were not applied at all after the brake pedal was depressed. In the first scenario, if they stayed applied, the brakes wore out prematurely, because the friction from the stuck calipers wore down the brake pads. In the second scenario, when the calipers froze at the point where they were not applied, then the rotors would rust and the calipers would seize internally. As a result, the other set of brakes not involved in this process would wear out prematurely. Why? Because all the responsibility for stopping the car was saddled on those brakes that were working correctly. Either scenario usually resulted in expensive brake repairs.

Let's take a look at the basic disc brake system and how it works ...
[:-]
[/align][align=center][/align][ul][align=center]The components: [/align][*][align=center]Master Cylinder [/align][*][align=center]Steel brake lines [/align][*][align=center]Proportioning valve [/align][*][align=center]Brake calipers [/align][*][align=center]Brake rotors or discs [/align][*][align=center]Brake pads, anti-rattle hardware, and siding mechanisms (IE: pins)[/align][/ul][align=center][/align][align=center]
[color=#000000][b]1. The master cylinder is mechanically connected to the brake pedal through a system of steel rods called linkage. These rods operate at different angles using bushings that are usually made of nylon, rubber, or Teflon. When you step on the brake pedal, the linkage pushes on a steel rod that pushes into the back of the master cylinder. The master cylinder is nothing more than an ela

 

[:-]A few links [:-]
[align=center]Chevrolet Monte Carlo Brake Rotors: Compare at The Parts Bin [/align]While your Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake pads were manufactured with longevity in mind, the fact remains that they will, nevertheless, have to be periodically ...
www.thepartsbin.com/guides/chevrolet/monte_carlo... - 75k - Similar pages
http://www.thepartsbin.com/guides/ch...ke_rotors.html

[:-]
[align=center]Chevy Monte Carlo Accessories & Parts [/align]Chevy Monte Carlo accessories & parts including Car Covers, Floor Mats, Car Seat Covers, Exhaust, ... Chevy Monte Carlo Disc Brake Conversion Kits ...
www.autoanything.com/car/chevy/monte-carlo/95A1A... - 171k - Similar pages
http://www.autoanything.com/car/chev...A115A2688.aspx

[:-]
[align=center]Chevrolet Monte-Carlo Brake Rotors Brake Pads - DragTimes.co... [/align]Chevrolet Monte-Carlo Brake Pads and Brake Rotors ... Greenstuff, Brake Pads Redstuff, Brake Rotors, Rotor Diameter. Monte Carlo, 70 thru 77, D52, DP21145 ...
www.dragtimes.com/Chevrolet--Monte-Carlo-Brake-R... - 10k - Similar pages
http://www.dragtimes.com/Chevrolet--...tors-Pads.html

[:-]

 

As a man who has actually driven cars with both, I much prefer the disk brakes. Preferebly slotted discs as well....

Our 1950 Chevy Truck has drums.... man o man... what a mess

 

[align=center][/align][align=center]Duane/CowBoy, would love 2 see pictures of your 1950 Chevy Truck[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][:-][/align][*][align=center]ABS Overview [/align][ul][/ul][*][align=center]Brake Failure: Common Signs to Watch For [/align][*][align=center]The Importance of Brake Performance [/align][ul][/ul]

 

yeah my old truck used to have drums and man do I love disc

 

oh yeah, i'd love to have those dust free pads from Raybestos too.... they put dust on your wheels, but it's clear, and your car looks cleaner

 

I am a huge fan of slotted rotors. Cross drilled crack a bit too easily for my liking and crossdrilled slotted are worse as they also munch pads and you are always replacing them.

For daily drivers,I recommend.

http://www.3800performance.com/Merch...roduct_Count=7