Description & Operation

Front brakes are disc and rear brakes are drum. ABS brakes are available. Components common to ABS and non-ABS systems are covered in this article. For specific ABS components, see ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.

Hydraulic system is diagonally split so system will still operate if one side loses pressure. Proportioning valves on master cylinder limit hydraulic pressure applied to rear brakes, directing most of the available hydraulic pressure to the front brakes.

Front disc brakes may be a single or dual piston assembly. Disc brakes are continually self-adjusting. Caliper piston seals retract pistons enough to allow brake lining to lightly brush rotor. Sliding caliper compensates for lining wear.

A BRAKE warning light is located in the instrument cluster. BRAKE warning light will illuminate if parking brake is not fully released, if there is a system failure, or brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir is low. A bulb check is provided when ignition switch is in START position. Warning light should go off when ignition switch returns to RUN position.