brakes and suspension
Brakes and Suspension are your vehicle's most critical safety systems,
designed to keep you in control and bring you to a safe stop.
The Suspension absorbs road shocks and keeps your tyres firmly on the road,
while your braking system uses hydraulic pressure to convert kinetic energy into stopping friction.
Understanding exactly how these systems function and what to watch out for ensures your car remains safe,
legal, and comfortable to drive.
The Braking System relies on hydraulics and friction to slow or stop your vehicle.
When you press the brake pedal, mechanical force pushes hydraulic brake fluid through lines to each wheel.
This pressure forces the brake caliper which houses the brake pads to clamp down tightly against a spinning metal
brake disc rotor then the resulting friction slows the wheels.
Some vehicles still use drum brakes in the rear, where the fluid pushes curved brake shoes outward against
the inside of a spinning metal drum.
The Key Components are the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake fluid, calipers, pads, wheel cylinders, shoes, and rotors/drums.
The suspension system does more than ensure a smooth, comfortable ride over potholes and rough road surfaces.
It supports the vehicle's weight and ensures all four tyres maintain maximum grip on the road.
Whenever you hit a bump, the suspension springs (like coil or leaf springs) compress to absorb the impact, to prevent
the car from continuously bouncing, shock absorbers (or dampers) slow and control this spring movement.
The Key Components are Shock absorbers, struts, coil springs, control arms, torsion bars, leaf springs and sway bars.
The Brakes and Suspension rely on each other to keep you safe in an emergency.
For example, when you slam on the brakes, the vehicle's weight shifts forward, a healthy suspension system manages t
his weight transfer so your rear tyres don't lose contact with the road, and your
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can work efficiently.
Because all of a vehicles Brake parts degrade gradually, it can be difficult for drivers to notice a decline in performance.
Look out for the following warning signs such as Squealing or a grinding noise, a "soft" or spongy brake pedal,
the vehicle pulling to one side when braking, or longer stopping distances than usual.
Like Brakes Suspension parts degarde gradually as well and it can also be difficult to notice a decline in performance.
Look out for bumpy ride, excessive bouncing over bumps, uneven tyre wear and stranges knocks when driving.
Routine inspections are strongly recommended which are carried out when a vehicle is serviced or at the annual
Pink Slip Safety inspection which is required for vehicle registration in NSW.
Modifications must strictly comply with NSW standards and regulations, 4WD or passenger vehicle modifications
should be handled by qualified specialists to avoid compromising road safety.
If you are currently experiencing any unusual issue such as squeaking,
squealing, or grinding knocking noises, excessive bouncing and or tilting around corners call VR Mechanical
today on 0492 979 738 for an inspection of your Brakes and Suspension.
Remember Brakes and Suspension are the most vital part of your vehicles safety and other road users, don’t hesitate
to have any concerns you have looked at.
