Brakes and Clutches
Brakes are designed to slow down your vehicle by changing energy types from kinetic energy into thermal energy. The thermal energy is produced when the brake pads or shoes press against the brake drum or rotor. The cooling of the brakes dissipates the heat and the vehicle slows down. When pressure is applied via the brake pedal from a piston in the master cylinder, pressure is transmitted equally to all four brakes. This in turn forces the brake fluid in the master cylinder (the container for brake fluid) through the brake lines to the wheel cylinders to stop the car.
Questions & Answers
1. What is the purpose of brake fluid?
2. What does brake fluid consist of?
3. Why is silicone brake fluid highly rated?
4. How does ABS or anti-lock braking system work?
5. Do I need to always change brake rotors with pads?
6. Do I need to make an appointment for a brake change?
1. What is the purpose of brake fluid?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic which means not only does it absorb water, but it attracts water. It is recommended that you flush the brake system at a maximum of every 2 years to avoid unnecessary expense down the road.
2. What does brake fluid consist of?
Most brake fluids used today are glycol-ether based, but mineral oil (LHM) and silicone (DOT 5) based fluids are also available. There are stringent local and government requirements that regulate the composition of brake fluids. For example, most brake fluid sold in North America is classified by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) under their own ratings such as “DOT 3″ and “DOT 4″.
3. Why is silicone brake fluid highly rated?
Silicone brake fluid is less vulnerable to contamination from moisture, hence reducing the chance of rusting and corrosion (Note: If the vehicle has ABS or anti-lock braking system, silicone based fluid is not recommended.
4. How does ABS or anti-lock braking system work?
The main purpose of ABS is to help maintain control and directional stability of your vehicle in case of extreme braking circumstances. This mechanism is achieved by controlling the rotational speed of every wheel independently. It has been proven in research that the risk of an accident decreases by 18% in vehicles using an antilock brake system.
5. Do I need to always change brake rotors with pads?
When replacing rotors it is always recommended to replace pads as well as it is reverse economy to use worn or old pads on new rotors. Rotors are likely in need of change when your vehicle suffers from brake vibration. Changing pads, on the other hand, does not always require you to change or resurface the rotors as it really will depend on the wear on the rotors and the car manufacturer specs.
6. Do I need to make an appointment for a brake change?
Yes feel free to call us at 425.774.4646 or click here to request a callback.
Clutches
All manual transmission vehicles have clutches that need adjustment and replacement periodically. A clutch system consists of the following:
- Clutch Disk: it is normally covered with a special fiberglass composite. The lining material is similar to the material used on your brake pads. When you release the clutch and let it “slip”, you are wearing the clutch lining material. When the lining material is all worn out, you need a new clutch. The Clutch disc is sandwiched between the pressure plate and the flywheel.
- Pressure Plate: Consists of a spring loaded device that presses the clutch disk against the flywheel. It is to be replaced with each clutch job because its springs can weaken and its surface can wear out and become uneven.
- Release Bearing: Presses on pressure plate to release clutch. It should also be replaced with each clutch change.
- Flywheel: It is the other surface the clutch disc rubs on. It usually must be resurfaced (turned) when the clutch is replaced.
Questions & Answers
1. Why is a clutch needed in a manual transmission vehicle?
2. How do clutches work?
3. How do I know when my clutch has gone bad?
4. Can the vehicle be driven if the clutch is out?
5. Do I need to make an appointment?
1. Why is a clutch needed in a manual transmission vehicle?
When the vehicle is stopped or nearing a stop the engine needs to be disconnected from the transmission or the engine will stall. With automatic transmission vehicles a torque converter is used to separate the two units, but with manual transmission vehicles a clutch assembly is used to do the job.
2. How do clutches work?
When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the clutch spring force is reduced. When the clutch pedal is at the floorboards, the clutch is fully released and the engine is totally disconnected from the transmission and the road wheels. As the clutch pedal is released, the clutch cover assembly clamps the clutch facings between the pressure plate and the flywheel. Friction is generated by the clutch facings, and the torque from this friction is delivered to the road wheels. Driver control of clutch torque is increased by means of cushion springs between the two clutch facings.
3. How do I know when my clutch has gone bad?
When you hear grinding and you are unable to put the car into gear, the clutch is worn out. If you can put the car into gear, but feel it may be slipping, put it into a higher gear like 4th or 5th. Then, release the clutch. The vehicle should stall. If it continues to run, then the clutch is worn out and needs to be replaced.
4. Can the vehicle be driven if the clutch is out?
If the clutch goes out, you should not try driving it as this may cause damage to your transmission. The very first thing you should do is to have it towed. However if you are unable to reach a towing truck and you are very close to a mechanic shop, there is an old trick that very few know about. The trick involves ‘matching the revs’ as you drive. As the cogs slow or speed up on your accelerator there is a split second when the cogs are exactly in line. This can be felt by gently moving the gear stick without the clutch. The new gear should then ’slip in’ easily. Again, this trick should be used as a last resort to getting the car to the nearest auto mechanic shop.
5. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, feel free to call us at 425.774.4646 or click here to request a callback. Arios Auto Repair is your premiere auto mechanic shop in the Lynnwood, Seattle area.