So you reckon you’re a technically minded car enthusiast, eh? Well, you might
be able to recite turbocharger specifications and engine power outputs but
chances are you’re knowledge of braking systems is pretty slim.
Here’s a book that will fix this situation. Brake Systems – OEM and Racing
Brake Technology by Mike Mavrigian and Larry Carley.
Published by HP Books in 1998 (first edition), this 208 page soft cover book
is aimed at the home enthusiast as well as people in the mechanical trade. All 20 chapters are clearly written and there are many supporting drawings,
photos and diagrams. Note that the illustrations are black and white only.
The book is divided into two sections – Section 1 covers OEM brake systems
while Section 2 covers racing brake systems.
It begins by delving into the history and evolution of car braking systems.
This history goes back as far as mechanically operated (non hydraulic) brakes
and spans to current ABS systems and their interfacing with traction control and
stability control systems. The authors even dare a look toward the future with
prediction of accident avoidance systems – a feature that is now starting to
appear in certain high-end vehicles.
Your background knowledge of braking system components and their operation
will be greatly enhanced by reading the chapters on OEM brakes. Learn about the
advantages of discs over drums – and their disadvantages – find out about
proportioning valves, master cylinders, brake lines, pads, calipers and other
key components. Brake fluid is also discussed at good length and includes
eye-opening details on the amount of water you can expect to penetrate the brake
system after certain periods of use.
This section also details techniques that are relevant for the home mechanic.
Bleeding techniques, tips on rotor refacing, breaking in and other real-world
practices are well covered. There’s also a step-by-step photographic process of
a brake disc and caliper overhaul as well as drum brake servicing. Despite being black and white, the photographs are clear.
ABS systems are covered across several chapters. This first explains the principles of ABS operation while latter chapters go on to detail
the systems used in the Camaro, Mustang and Corvette. The book clearly
originates from the US, but full
marks to the authors for delving into the complexities of each ABS
configuration.
Section 2 is all about racing brakes.
The first chapter under this section launches straight into titanium,
aluminium and carbon fibre rotors. Exotic stuff. Reality soon returns with a
chapter on choosing rotors, which is aimed more at a typical person. And what
about drilled rotors? Well, the book has some interesting comments on the matter
– the upshot being not to waste your time! There is also some great discussion
on stress relieving rotors to avoid cracking – cryogenic and vibrational stress
relief techniques are covered.
There’s an excellent chapter dedicated to the importance of brake cooling and
brake temperature measurement techniques. Temperature sensitive paints and
pyrometers – and which ones to use for different situations – are explained in
detail. The combined experience of the authors really shows through in the race
brakes section – they have obviously seen a lot. The topic of thermal barrier
coatings (for the caliper pistons) is also discussed in a few paragraphs.
Upgrade multi-pot brake calipers are covered in good detail.
Unfortunately, the Racing Brake section is just that – it isn’t aimed at the
street enthusiast wanting a mild braking improvement. If you want to know about
OE brake swaps, aftermarket brake pad comparisons and Do-It-Yourself brake ducts
you won’t find it. This is the biggest downfall of the book. However, if you want to improve your knowledge of brake systems and
learn some maintenance techniques, this is the certainly latest and greatest
publication on the market. One to add to your home library.
Brake Systems – OEM and Racing Brake Technology can be purchased for
AUD$43.95 (plus delivery) from Beven D. Young
Automotive Books and Software.
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