Brakes: Braking Systems: Braking system components
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Topic IntroductionHelp

Park brake system

Summary
The primary components of the park brake system are: parking brake cables, and disc brake caliper fitted with park brake, or park brake lever on drum brakes.

Park brakes

All vehicles must have at least two independent systems.

The primary components of the park brake system are:

Park brake system

Parking brake cables

Parking brake cable

The mechanical park brake is normally hand operated by a brake handle located on the vehicle floor or under the dash. In either position, it is in easy reach for the driver to apply.

Some manufacturers have used a foot-operated lever for the driver to apply the park brake.

Disc brake caliper fitted with park brake

Disc brake caliper fitted with park brake

On vehicles fitted with 4 wheel disc brakes, the park brake is applied at the rear caliper by the cable-operated system.

Park brake lever on drum brakes

Park brake lever on drum brakes

For passenger cars fitted with drum brakes, the park brake passes through the backing plate.

Park brake on drum brake

After passing through the backing plate, the cable is connected to the park brake lever. As the driver applies the park brake, the cable will pull on this lever and force the brake shoes into contact with the brake drum.