Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Brake System
The brake system consists of the following components:
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Cable/drum-in-hat actuated parking brake
- Brake master cylinder and fluid reservoir
- Vacuum-assisted power brake booster
- Four-wheel ABS
- Red brake warning indicator
The brake pedal is connected to the power brake booster, which is connected to the brake master cylinder. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is pushed through the double-walled steel tubes and flexible hoses to the front and rear disc brake calipers. The brake fluid enters the disc brake calipers, forcing the caliper pistons and brake pads outward against the brake disc friction surface, slowing or stopping rotation. When the brake pedal is released, brake fluid pressure is relieved, returning the front and rear disc brake caliper pistons and brake pads to the unapplied position.
For information on the following:
- Front disc brakes, refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE article.
- Rear disc brakes, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.
- Parking brake actuation, refer to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION article.
- Hydraulic brake actuation, refer to HYDRAULIC BRAKE ACTUATION article.
- Vacuum-assisted power brake booster, refer to POWER BRAKE ACTUATION article.
- ABS, refer to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.