Inertia- the tendency of an object in motion

to keep moving and the tendency of an

object at rest to remain at rest.

Momentum- is the force continuing motion;

the momentum of a moving object equals its
mass times it speed.

Weight Transfer- the tendency for a vehicle

to shift weight from the rear to the front during
forward motion braking.

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles shift about 70% of

their weight from rear to front.
Front-wheel-drive vehicles shift as much as
90% of their weight to the front during
breaking.

Energy Conversion

The braking system changes energy from one

form to another.
The brakes change kinetic energy into thermal
energy through the use of friction.

What Do the Brakes Stop?

The job of the brakes is to slow the rotating brake

parts (the drums of rotors)
The tires then must provided friction through their
contact with the road and their connection to
the axle.
What stops you and your passengers?

Friction and Pressure

The amount of pressure used to apply the friction
material against the rotor or drum directly relates to
the friction created.
The more friction created, the more motion that is
converted to heat.
The more heat created, the more stopping power.

Friction and Surface Area

The more surface area in the friction contact surfaces,
the more braking force.
Bigger pads and rotors equal greater stopping force.

Coefficient of Friction
Different materials produce more friction.
Coefficient of Friction- Numerical value of friction
between 2 objects.

Tensile Force/Weight Force Brake materials are always

less than 1. Tires can be more than one. More than
one causes material transfer.

Coefficient of Friction
Three factors affect coefficient of friction
1.

The surface of both friction surfaces

2.

The material: metal rotors or drums and the friction

material of the linings

3.

Temperature

Surface Finish
There is a fine line during the engineering of the friction
surfaces of a vehicle
A very rough surface creates great friction, but can
be noisy and longevity of components are poor.
A very smooth surface will need excessive break
pressure, but longevity will be good and noise will be
less.

Temperature
Temperature can affect the coefficient of friction in
certain materials.
It is very important to use OEM equivalent components
due to the dynamics of braking.
Brakes must maintain a good life span, the coefficient
of friction must remain constant, and must produce
little brake fade.

Heat Dissipation
Remember that the brakes work by producing heat.
The components must be able to dissipate heat
effectively.

The vehicle weight and speed affect the amount of

heat created.
The vehicle weight and speed affect it because of
inertia.

Brake Fade
Heat in the brake components can cause brake fade.
Three types of fade exist
1.

Lining fade- frictions heat up to a point that the

coefficient of friction is reduced

2.

Mechanical fade happens when the drums expand

due to the heat

3.

Gas fade happens during extended hard braking. A

gas forms a lubricant between the friction surfaces.

Friction Materials

Nonmetallic materials
Semi-metallic materials
Full metallic materials
Ceramic materials

Nonmetallic Pads

Semi-Metallic Pads

Full Metallic

Ceramics