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Corvette G-loc - Race Brake Shop
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By NAPA
The Latest in EV Brake Technology
Advances in electric vehicle systems are happening at record speed. Entire components are getting eliminated. What was once old is new again. But the NAPA experts are warning customers not to get ahead of themselves. Let’s slow down, stop spinning our wheels from all this momentum and start with the basics.
How do brakes work on an electric car? Almost all personal vehicles use disc brakes containing a pair of
link hidden, please login to view attached to a link hidden, please login to view, which squeezes the disc to generate friction and slow the wheel’s rotation. Electric cars utilize these standard mechanical brakes in cases of low speed and sudden emergency braking. In addition, an electric car brake system (found in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full EVs) incorporates regenerative braking. Many consumers are familiar with brakes on electric cars because of the popularity in the past decade of the
link hidden, please login to view, which uses regenerative braking to deliver better fuel economy. Electric car brakes (regenerative brakes) capture the energy output (propulsion power) when a vehicle is slowing down, turning the electric motor into a generator for the battery pack. In more technical terms, the brake system in a hybrid or electric vehicle applies reverse current to the motor, which opens the charging circuit. The EV’s computer system determines the amount of ‘brake’ getting applied from the backward running motor, thus decreasing the speed until the vehicle comes to a stop. In a fully electric vehicle, this controlled braking extends the travel range by replenishing the battery system. As much as 90% of everyday braking is operated by this electric power switch. The hydraulic system (aggressively depressing the brake pedal to activate brake pads) is only necessary at speeds under 3 mph (when there isn’t enough energy momentum to transfer) or at high speeds with sudden emergency braking.
This ‘brake-through’ technology has created challenges when it comes to a seamless transition between regeneration and foundation braking. To create an unnoticeable transition with no rough jitters or jumping,
link hidden, please login to view developed algorithms for their new Taycan model that constantly monitor the friction brake system so that the regenerative brakes create matching pressure. Similarly, the design of the Porsche Taycan also tackles the unequal distribution of braking power between the vehicle’s two axles. Two thirds of stopping power is provided by the front axle. This means the front brakes capture 60 to 80 percent of a slowing vehicle’s momentum compared to the rear battery generator. Learn more about leveraging braking force between the axles in the January 2023 article by ElectricCarsReport,
link hidden, please login to view. The Future of EVs Might Involve Reaching Into the Past
For many decades, the advancements in brake systems have relied on improvements made to an isolated system. But with the expansion of consumer EVs, braking systems are now interconnected to the battery, powertrain and electronic conduction involved in deceleration. The way electric brake systems function has actually pushed car designers to reconsider an ‘outdated’ technology,
link hidden, please login to view. At one time, brake drums were the standard on personal vehicles until the invention of disc brake systems, which provided quicker stopping force. Because EVs require less engagement of mechanical brakes, especially on the rear axle, these newer vehicles run the risk of failing discs due to corrosion and rust from lack of use. This has generated renewed interest in rear axle drum brakes, which are sealed off from road and weather conditions. Learn more about why old-school drum brake technology is possibly the way of the future for compact commuter EVs in congested cities with
link hidden, please login to view. Because regenerative braking redirects the energy involved in stopping the vehicle, the lack of friction reduces the thermal load on your brakes and brake pads. This has led vehicle manufacturers to consider using thinner materials (like aluminum combined with cast iron) in brake pads, calipers and discs, which in turn makes EVs lighter weight and more energy efficient (longer runtime on a full battery). For a brake drum, this thinning can result in a 30% decrease in mass. However, in traditional brake systems, that large mass is required to absorb heat. So, the determining factor in using old tech for new EVs comes down to retaining enough resistance to heat-related brake fade.
Stop by NAPA Auto Care for EV Brake Maintenance
Now let’s talk about replacing EV brake pads and other components. Although mechanical brakes on a hybrid or EV are only relied on for quick, complete stopping, these components are still vital because regenerative systems are not designed for emergency braking or firmly holding a vehicle still. Relying on the motor to handle declaration does mean that brake pads for electric vehicles don’t wear out as quickly as full hydraulic brake systems on gasoline-powered combustion vehicles.
However, because they are used less (yet still exposed to moisture and grime), it is critical to ensure your EV brake pads are in good shape. This means routine maintenance and periodic cleaning every year versus wear-related replacement. For example, Tesla recommends cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers on a Model 3 once a year (or every 12,500 miles) for those who live in an area that uses road salt.
It is also true that fully electric cars do not require oil changes, exhaust inspections or spark plug replacement. But these prized vehicles still need brake system care, such as checking the brake fluid at least every two years. Dirty brake fluid needs a full brake system flush to prevent it from harming expensive auto parts. When in doubt, take your vehicle to
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By NAPA
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Your
link hidden, please login to view is one of the most important liquids in your vehicle. Brake fluid is what transmits your foot’s movement of pressing on the brake pedal into movement of the friction material at the wheel. It is rarely seen unless you check their brake fluid level or are unlucky enough to have a brake system leak. But your brake fluid is not immortal and needs changed just like any other automotive fluid. Your owner’s manual lists how often to flush brake fluid for a reason, so let’s take a look at how to flush brake fluid. Why Flush Fluid Brake Fluid?
Just like every other automotive fluid, brake fluid changes as time passes. In the case of brake fluid, it gets contaminated.
link hidden, please login to view is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. That’s bad because if the water content in the brake fluid gets too high, it might boil under heavy braking. Brake fluid can also become contaminated with rust and copper. Brake Fluid Flush Preparation
Before starting a brake flush, you need to take these first no matter which type of brake flush method you choose:
Turn off the ignition of the vehicle. Using a vacuum bulb or similar siphon, remove almost all of the old brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir. Leave a shallow puddle of it to prevent air from entering the brake system. Top off the brake reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Lift the vehicle off the ground and support it on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. A jack is a lifting device only, a jack stand is a support device. Remove the tires and wheels. If possible, remove all four wheels, but you may also flush one wheel at a time. Place a drain pan under each wheel that you flush to catch the brake fluid as it drips. Once these steps are completed, you can move on to the brake flush method of your choice.
Gravity Brake Flush
With this method you let gravity do all the work. The tradeoff is that it takes more time than any other method.
Open the brake bleeder valve on each wheel The brake fluid will drip from the open bleeder valves Keep the brake reservoir filled with fresh brake fluid Wait for the fluid dripping from the bleeder valve to run clear (this may take more than an hour) Once the brake fluid runs clear, close the bleeder valve Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Manual Brake Flush
This is the method most people think of when bleeding or flushing brakes. One person sits in the driver’s seat working the brake pedal while another person opens up the bleeder valves.
Have an assistant sit in the driver’s seat Choose a wheel and locate the brake bleeder valve Ask the assistant to pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down Open the brake bleeder valve to release the pressurized fluid Close the brake bleeder valve Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid if necessary Repeat steps 3–6 until the fluid is clear Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Pressure Brake Flush
Pressure brake fluid tools have become increasingly popular. This brake fluid flush tool uses pressurized air to push brake fluid through the system.
Read the instructions included with the pressure brake fluid tool Fill the pressure brake fluid tool with fresh brake fluid as directed in the tool instructions Attach the pressure adapter to the brake fluid reservoir Pressurize the tool as directed in the tool instructions Open the brake bleeder valve to release the pressurized fluid, and allow the fluid to flow until it is clear Close the brake bleeder valve Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Vacuum Brake Flush
As the name implies, this method uses a vacuum tool to pull brake fluid through the system. It is usually part of a
link hidden, please login to view that includes a brake fluid catch bottle. Read the instructions included with the vacuum brake fluid tool Attach the vacuum brake fluid tool to the brake bleeder valve Pump the vacuum brake fluid tool to create vacuum at the brake bleeder valve Open the brake bleeder valve to begin pulling brake fluid through the system Allow the brake fluid to flow until it is clear Close the brake bleeder valve Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid if necessary Repeat steps 3–7 until the fluid is clear Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Regardless of which
link hidden, please login to view you choose, the goal is to replace as much old fluid as possible. You will likely use more brake fluid than you expect, but considering the long service interval, it is worth using a bit more fluid just to make certain. There is no difference between a brake fluid change vs. flush, they are the same process with the same goal: new brake fluid. The cost to flush brake fluid depends on who is doing the work. A DIY brake flush at home will only cost you the price of a few bottles of brake fluid, but a professional brake fluid flush using specialized equipment will likely put the cost at more than $100.
Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to do a brake fluid flush and a typical brake fluid flush price, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. You Might Need These
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By NAPA
While automobile brakes are meant to stop a car, sometimes they can do their job a little too well. Thanks to hydraulic pressure and
link hidden, please login to view muscle, it is quite possible to completely stop a wheel from turning while the vehicle is still in motion. When this happens, it is called brake lockup and it is not a welcome situation. Let’s look at what causes brakes to lock up and how to fix the problem. What Does Brakes Locking Up Mean? link hidden, please login to view
Brake lockup happens when the grip of the brake friction material overcomes the grip of the tire on the road. It can happen on dry pavement during a panic stop or on an icy road with just a touch of the brake pedal. Power brakes make it easier to lock up due to reduced pedal effort, but it can happen with manual brakes as well. It can also mean a situation where the brake mechanism fails to release its grip on the wheel, such as a stuck trailer brake.
Why Is Brake Lockup Bad?
A wheel that isn’t turning also isn’t controlling the travel direction of the vehicle. If this happens to a front wheel, it can no longer steer the vehicle.
Brake lockup can also damage your tires. If the vehicle is still moving while the tire is locked up, the road will cause a flat spot on the tire where the tread is worn down far more than the rest of the tire. This can throw off the tire balance, as well as cause erratic handling.
What Causes Brakes to Lock Up?
Let’s take a look at a few common causes of brake lockup.
Sticking Brake Caliper or Wheel Cylinder
If a link hidden, please login to view or wheel cylinder isn’t retracting correctly after brake pressure is let off, then it can stick in place. This causes the link hidden, please login to view to hold in place against the drum or rotor. Corrosion around the brake caliper or wheel cylinder pistons can prevent them from moving freely. Damage to the piston bores can also cause the pistons to stick in their travel. The solution is to rebuild or replace the brake caliper or wheel cylinder.
Corrosion
If your car brakes locked up and now won’t move, you probably have severe rust affecting the braking components. Drum brakes can’t retract the shoes if all the parts are unable to move freely. This is less likely to happen with disc brakes, but in severe circumstances a brake rotor can rust badly enough to prevent it from passing through the brake pads. This is rare and usually only happens to vehicles that were parked for an excessive amount of time.
Non-Functioning ABS Unit
Almost every modern vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock brake system from the factory. So, what do anti-lock brakes do? Simply put, they prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. The anti-lock brakes unit is usually connected to the brake master cylinder. The link hidden, please login to view is a complicated component made up of a pump, valves and a control module. If any of these components malfunction, the overall unit will not operate correctly.
A problem with the anti-locking brake system unit will almost always trigger the anti-lock brake system warning light on the dashboard. If the ABS light comes on, understand that your anti-lock brakes are probably no longer working and need checked immediately. You should never ignore an ABS problem.
Worn Tires
This seems obvious, but too many drivers ignore their tires as long as they are holding air. Take the time to
link hidden, please login to view. If the tread depth on a tire is less than 2/32”, the tire is worn out and needs replaced. A bald tire can’t grip a wet or icy road, making brake lockup a likely possibility. Tires also wear out due to age. Check the tire
link hidden, please login to view. If the tire is more than six years old, it is no longer able to perform at its peak. Rubber gets hard and cracks as it ages, which reduces its ability to grip the roads and thus in turn can lock up your brakes. How to Stop Brake Lockup
The key to preventing your brakes locking up when driving is good maintenance. There’s more to maintaining your brake system than just replacing worn brake pads and shoes. Each braking assembly needs inspected on a routine basis along with getting cleaned and lubricated where necessary. Tires need inspected and replaced as necessary. Ask your
link hidden, please login to view for a brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is in top braking shape. A Brake Lockup Exception
There is actually one scenario where brake locking is done on purpose. For those who drag race, there is a point where it is necessary to spin the drive tires while holding the entire vehicle in place. This is done using a
link hidden, please login to view that allows for one pair of wheels to stop. The driver steps hard on the brakes, activating the line lock to hold brake pressure on the desired wheels, then lets off the brake pedal to allow the driven wheel to turn for a burnout. Once the burnout is over, the brake locks are deactivated and the brakes work as normal. Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on figuring out why your car brakes locked up, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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