Hydraulic Brakes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The hydraulic brake actuation system consists of the following components:

Brake master cylinder and fluid reservoir
Brake tubes and hoses
Brake pedal and bracket
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)

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 forced from the master cylinder, which distributes the fluid between the front and rear wheels, through the double-walled steel tubes and flexible hoses into two ports in the HCU. One port is for the front wheels, the other is for the rear wheels. The HCU then distributes the fluid to the individual brake calipers at each wheel. The fluid enters the caliper, forcing the caliper pistons and brake pads against the brake disc friction surface, slowing or stopping rotation of the brake disc. When the brake pedal is released, brake fluid pressure is relieved, returning the front and rear brake caliper pistons and brake pads to the unapplied position.

For information on the HCU, refer to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND STABILITY CONTROL .