Front Brake System
Front Brake Caliper Components
The full floating caliper has a single piston and is mounted to the front brake caliper bracket. The caliper bracket is mounted to the steering knuckle. When the brake pedal is applied, fluid pressure behind the master cylinder piston increases. The hydraulic pressure moves the caliper pistons outward. The outward movement of the pistons results in a clamping action on the rotor through the brake pads. When the brake pedal is released the hydraulic pressure decreases and the piston seal retracts slightly in the caliper groove causing the piston to retract. This combined with the movement of the rotor causes the pads to move away from the rotor eliminating any drag.
Outward movement of the piston and inward movement of the caliper will automatically compensate for lining wear. If the brake pad linings wear un-evenly (at each wheel) a sticking caliper is indicated.
Rear Brake System
The rear disc brake caliper is a two-piece design and contains opposing dual pistons. The calipers bolt directly to the mounting flange of the rear suspension lower trailing arm. When the brake pedal is applied, fluid pressure behind the master cylinder piston increases. The hydraulic pressure moves the caliper pistons outward. This outward movement of the pistons results in a clamping action on the rotor through the brake pads. When the brake pedal is released the hydraulic pressure decreases and the piston seal retracts slightly in the caliper groove causing the piston to retract. This combined with the movement of the rotor causes the pads to move away from the rotor eliminating any drag. The mechanical parking brake system is completely independent of the hydraulic braking system.
Front Disc Brake Pad Wear Sensor
The front disc brake system on this vehicle is equipped with an electronic brake pad wear sensor. The brake pad wear sensor is pressed into the front inner brake pads. When the brake pad linings have worn to the point of replacement the sensor makes contact with the rotor, causing an open in the sensor circuit and illuminating the warning indicator on the instrument panel. The sensor consists of the following parts:
| • | A plastic L-shaped housing with an integral circuit loop |
| • | A steel retaining button |
| • | A two-wire connector |
| Once the indicator lamp has illuminated the sensor must be replaced and is not reusable. |
