Brake system — design description (Mazda 121 (3))

The brake system consists of a master cylinder, a brake booster, disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes. The hydraulic brake system is divided into two circuits, which are located diagonally. One circuit works with the front right/rear left wheels, and the second with the front left/rear right wheels. Due to this, if one circuit fails, for example, due to a leak, the car will still be stopped by the brakes of the other circuit. The pressure for both circuits is created in the dual master cylinder from the brake pedal.

The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment above the master cylinder and supplies brake fluid to the entire brake system.

The brake booster on petrol models takes some of the vacuum created by the engine. Through valves, it increases the pedal action during braking due to the vacuum effect (rarefaction). Since the diesel engine has virtually no suction vacuum, the vacuum for the brake booster is created by a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is driven by the engine.

Disc brakes are equipped with so-called floating calipers. Such calipers have only one piston, which is used to press both brake pads against the brake disc.

The parking brake acts on the rear wheels via drive cables.

The brake pads of the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes are set automatically, so that adjustment of the rear wheel brakes is only necessary after repairs in which the brake system was disassembled.

Precautions: Cleaning the brakes removes the dust from their operation. It is very harmful to health and should never be inhaled.

Brake pads are very important components for the safety of your vehicle and you should only use the pads recommended by the manufacturer for your specific model.

Precautions: Work on the brake system requires absolute cleanliness and precise adherence to instructions. If you have no experience working with brakes, it is better to carry out repairs in a workshop.

Note: When driving on wet roads, you should apply the brakes from time to time to free the brake discs from deposits. The centrifugal force of driving removes water from the brake discs, but a thin film of silicone, tar, grease and dirt remains, which reduces the effectiveness of the brakes.

After installing new brake pads, you need to break them in. During the first 200 km after installing the pads, you should avoid sudden braking unless absolutely necessary.

Corroded disc brakes have a sticking effect when braking, which is not eliminated even with prolonged braking. In this case, it is necessary to replace the brake discs and repair the calipers.

Burnt dirt on the brake pads and gouges in them will cause grooves in the brake discs. This can reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.

Disc brakes