Increasing the power of a car always puts more stress on the braking system (although this also depends on how you drive). Consider an improvement brake system, since most motorists do not pay enough attention to this aspect. Indeed, after tuning most mechanical components, standard brakes may not be able to cope with the load.

Installation of large diameter brake discs sometimes turns out to be useless. This occurs in the event of braking, when the wheels are blocked in uncontrolled rotation/sliding, or when the material from which the parts of the brake system are made is not suitable. Larger brakes require larger diameter rims(see the article on wheels), as well as all sorts of changes in the geometry of the suspension and steering. In addition, when tuning the brake system, it is important to take into account the weight of the car.

Warning: The tires will eventually brake the car, but first the brake pads converge and block the disc, which stops spinning. The wrong type of tires will cause the car to skid during braking (see tire article). And no Anti-lock braking system brakes (ABS) will not help!

The principle of operation of the brake system
The work of the brake system is the conversion of kinetic energy (energy of motion) into thermal energy by friction. However, braking too frequently can cause damage due to the constantly high temperature, which reduces the efficiency of the braking system. For example, the car has brake discs of a larger diameter on the front wheels than on the rear wheels, or even an enlarged brake drum on rear wheels and front disc brakes. The point of installing powerful brakes at the front is that during braking, the weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle, and the rear becomes lighter. Powerful brakes on the “front” help to cope with the increased weight, and less powerful on the “stern” (due to the reduced weight) - eliminate the blocking of the rear wheels.

Worn-out parts of the brake system provoke premature destruction. Worn pads, warped discs, low brake fluid and leaking or torn brake hoses- all this translates into inefficient operation of the brake system. It is not difficult to guess what this will lead to in the end - to the inability to slow down at the right time ( extreme situation or during the descent from the mountain).

Ways
The first thing to do to counter brake inefficiency is to make sure that all parts of the system that are not going to be replaced are in good condition. And then start tuning.


If the car has already been modified (improved its performance), then insufficient cooling, improper discs or calipers, etc. may be the cause.

brake drum
Both old and modern models cars have a brake drum (mainly on the rear wheels). There are several ways to improve its efficiency. For example, you can replace the regular outer drum with a ribbed one, which helps dissipate the heat resulting from the friction of the pads on it. Ribbed brake drums can be supplemented with carbon steel pads for improved friction and heat resistance (better than conventional pads). This way you can improve the braking ability of the car and reduce heat generation. Another way is to drill a few holes in brake drum. Moreover, you need to drill not haphazardly, but in certain places to ensure good ventilation. Holes are also needed so that particles of soot and dirt can be removed through them.


Of course, you can replace the entire set of brakes at once, especially since there are many sets for various car brands on sale now.
Brake discs
Brake discs were first patented by Friedrich Wilhelm Lanchester in Birmingham in 1902, but did not come into widespread use until the late 1940s and early 1950s.
It is recommended to install only high-quality discs, low-grade ones will not last long.


Types of tuning brake discs

ventilated
Majority sports cars equipped with modified brake discs, and even some runabouts have ventilated discs in standard equipment. The ventilated disk has a hole in the center and outwardly resembles two separate disks glued together. The hole serves as a vent, allowing air to pass through the disc as it spins and cool it at the same time. Ventilated discs are more durable. By the way, many tuning brake discs have exactly the same hole in the center.


Perforated (with cross drilling)
Repels water, gas, cools and helps to remove dirt and carbon particles. Almost all racing cars of the late 1960s were equipped with such discs, but today sports cars are mainly equipped with slotted brake discs. Cross-drilled discs have one main drawback - over time, cracks and breaks appear around the drilled holes. In addition, small holes are clogged with dirt and soot.


Notched
Repels water, gas and heat, aids in the removal of dirt and carbon particles, and mattifies brake pads. It is installed on sports cars mainly in order to remove dirt and soot. During operation, they make more noise than conventional ones, due to the fact that the pads rub against the grooves of the disc.


Discs are also available today that have both corrugations and perforations at the same time. They have exactly the same advantages and disadvantages as each individual species.

Carbon brake discs
Provide good friction, less prone to generating heat. Carbon rims are designed for sports cars, they are not quite suitable for ordinary cars, as they need to warm up well for correct operation.


Ceramic discs
Made of carbon fiber, they are light in weight and can withstand high temperatures well.


Possible problems with the brake disc

Deformation
Disc can warp due to constant friction brake pads and high temperature.

scratches
Usually formed from foreign objects that have fallen between the disc and pad, or as a result of sticking of the brake caliper.

Note that many aftermarket brake discs increase brake pad wear as a result of increased friction.

Caliper update
To tune the brake system, it is necessary to replace all components of the system. Caliper replacement important aspect system improvements.


The more pistons in the caliper, the more evenly the pressure is distributed on the disc during braking, thereby reducing the load on the disc and pads, as well as reducing vibration. Definitely, such calipers increase the efficiency of the braking system. Improved calipers, in addition to being lighter in weight, have another advantage - the ability to dissipate heat better than cast iron ones.

Special brake pads
Special brake pads provide better friction. In their composition, various materials and alloys, the method of heat treatment is used in the production. It is important to note that some of the components (after thermal hardening) require a certain temperature to work, and on some cars not enough heat is generated for such pads to work efficiently. In addition, even installing special pads on heavier and powerful cars, it is important to remember that they will not work correctly until they warm up. Most specialty brake pads are made from softer materials than conventional pads. But there is always a choice and the main thing is to find a compromise between performance and service life.


brake hoses
Improved brake hoses are useful in that they help you feel better on the pedal. They have a long service life, during operation they do not expand from the pressure of the brake fluid, like rubber products.


brake kit
If there is a financial opportunity, pay attention to sports brake kits. The set contains all the necessary parts, which also fit perfectly together. For most vehicles, it is not necessary to purchase the complete set. Basically, such kits are designed for powerful versions of cars, as well as for those that participate in races.


Many kits come with larger brake discs, so, as noted above, reinstallation of the rims will be required. bigger size. In addition, this can create additional difficulties associated with changing the geometry of the suspension and steering. Before buying this or that kit, it is better to ask a professional for advice.

Modification of the brake system, especially installation complete sets an improved braking system, needed mainly by those who plan to participate in competitions, for track days, etc. In addition, such tuning will be expensive, and for normal driving on public roads and for most cars, it is not needed at all .

You can improve the braking system by replacing components from later car models of the same series. In this case, the parts may not fit and a number of improvements will be required.


How to take care of the car after tuning the brake system

• Pay attention to the suspension settings. There may be an increase in rear-to-front load transfer when decelerating, lowering the center of gravity will help eliminate this effect (see Suspension and Chassis manual).
• You will need to adjust the offset as there is a chance of skidding and poor wheel response to steering when braking. Stability and control under heavy braking is an important factor to consider when making any changes to the braking system.
• Use only high quality brake fluid and change it regularly.
• If desired, you can increase the airflow with vents or tubes. Many sports cars have air ducts built into the front bumper/spoiler. Some of them are effective, some are not.
• Make sure that the pedal responds well to pressing, the pressure is normal.
• Make sure all parts of the brake system are installed correctly.

The latest developments for the braking system

• ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System
• ESC - Electronic Stability Control (Dynamic Vehicle Stability Control)
• Brake Assist (EBA)
• Electronic distribution system braking forces (system of dynamic redistribution of braking forces of the rear wheels).
• And a few more, for example, EBC, EBM, EBS, EBV.

Please note that if the vehicle has the electronic unit control, then the installation of the above systems must be done only after consultation with the master.

Recommendations
In fact, it is pointless to advise something. It all depends on what car you have. Be sure to consult with specialists and diagnose the car before modifying the brake system, as in some cases tuning the brake system is not required at all.

The modern rhythm of life requires constant acceleration from humanity. This is significantly reflected in the technological evolution of vehicles. Manufacturers produce machines with improved powerful engines, which requires the improvement and modernization of the braking system of the machine. This is the main unit that is responsible for road safety.

Brake tuning will help make your ride safer and your stopping distance shorter.

Today, for motorists, the most important issue in tuning the brake system is. This aspect is of interest to both drivers of vehicles with boosted engines and owners of conventional cars who are prone to high-speed driving. Consider in this article, the brakes to get the most positive result.

Features of the choice of brake units for tuning the brake system of a car

Brake tuning is used by motorists to reduce the braking distance of the vehicle, as well as more efficient braking when driving at high speeds. Before proceeding with the upgrade, it is important to understand that the parts that need to be purchased have a high price category. To obtain excellent result, it is necessary to put new improved modern parts on the car.

Components such as brake discs and calipers, hoses and pads are responsible for the effectiveness of the car's brakes. In order to carry out a complete tuning of the brakes, it is desirable to simultaneously replace all parts of the system. Let us consider in more detail what elements of the vehicle's braking system are needed for.

Brake discs and calipers

The main part of the brake system of a car is the discs. From a technological point of view, braking is the conversion of mechanical action into thermal energy due to friction, which is characterized by high temperature values. Basically, the discs are made of cast iron, which is resistant to high temperatures, has a high hardness, which provides protection against deformation and guarantees a long service life of the parts. And also the quality of the removal of thermal energy is influenced by the design features of the disks.

Tuning brake discs come in different types:

1. Ventilated, which outwardly resemble two discs glued together. This design allows air to pass between the discs, which increases the cooling rate of the part. Differ in high durability.
2. Perforated discs have transverse slots. They have not proven themselves very well, as cracks and breaks often appear on them near the drilled holes.
3. Notched discs are in great demand by motorists. Good self-cleaning from dirt and soot due to design features. However, they are noisier when braking.

Modern discs are made of wear-resistant ceramic or carbon fiber. Parts that are produced using such technologies are distinguished by a high level of thermal energy removal and a service life, however, the cost of goods has a high price threshold. If you own a sports car, then the most practical solution would be to choose carbon products, they are resistant to high temperatures. For ordinary cars, experts advise not to buy them, since they need to warm up well for effective braking. For owners of standard vehicles over suitable option There will be ceramic discs. They are light in weight and cope with their tasks under different temperature conditions.

brake pads

Tuning the brake system of a car cannot be complete without replacing conventional brake pads with special ones, which are characterized by a higher coefficient of friction. However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that pads that are designed for more powerful vehicles begin to work effectively only when heated to a certain temperature. There are special pads that are made of a softer material than conventional pads and do not require very high temperature conditions for correct operation. It is important to compare the parameters of the product and your driving style before buying in order to find a compromise solution to the issue.

Brake upgrade options

After acquiring all the necessary units, it is necessary to proceed to the replacement of regular brake products with tuning ones. And at this stage of work there are problematic moments. Brake discs may not fit in the mounting holes or new calipers in regular seats.

In order not to encounter such problems when installing parts, when choosing products, you can pay attention to special tuning kits that are now sold for most makes and models of cars.

With the installation of special kits, there are absolutely no questions, all regular fasteners completely coincide with the fasteners of tuning parts. You can handle the replacement of parts yourself without the help of specialists. However, the kits mainly have a brake disc similar in size to the regular one or slightly larger than the previous one. Previously, it was agreed that the diameter of the brake disc proportionally affects the length of the braking distance of the vehicle. Upgrading your brakes with tuning kits will greatly improve brake performance. If you want to redesign and improve your brakes as much as possible, you can use more complex options tuning, which require some alterations.

The first method is to replace regular disks for larger items. Accordingly, in order to install them on the car, it is necessary to drill additional holes in the hubs, which will coincide with the fasteners of the tuning parts. It may also be necessary to manufacture adapter plates to install calipers over larger discs. Mounting larger rims will entail buying larger and wider wheels.

The second tuning method is to replace the standard product with a ventilated or notched disc of the same size. In this case, you do not need to purchase a new set of tires for the vehicle. You can increase the effectiveness of the brakes by installing an additional caliper on each disc of the vehicle. In this case, it is important to make reliable fasteners for complementary calipers. Such tuning increases the braking efficiency by about two times.

The choice of tuning method depends on your preferences and financial capabilities. The first method is more costly in terms of money, the second option will be more economical, however, it depends on the equipment of your workshop and your capabilities.

And one more important point. New car models are equipped from the factory with regular disc brakes on the front and rear wheels. If you have an old-style car, you will need to replace the drum rear brakes on modern disk drives. In this case, serious alterations of the wheel hubs and fixtures for mounting the calipers will be required. If you have the technical ability, then you can redo the fasteners yourself, otherwise, in the absence of necessary tools, it is better to seek help from professionals.

1. Before starting work, remember that unsuccessful tuning of the body kit of the car or its interior will subsequently affect only its appearance. Badly tuned brake systems can cost you your life.
2. The braking system is directly responsible for the safety of the car on the road. Legislation prohibits changes to the braking system of a vehicle. Therefore, before tuning the brakes, think about how you will undergo regular technical inspections.
3. Modernizing the brake system is a very expensive pleasure. Full tuning required for racing and sports cars. For conventional vehicles, a replacement is most often sufficient. brake elements on special tuning kits, which are easier to install and most effective in use.
4. If you still decide to upgrade, choose only products from well-known manufacturers that have been certified.

conclusions

You can upgrade your vehicle's braking system different ways. You can install special tuning brake kits or radically change the brake system by increasing the size of the discs. It all depends on your wishes and financial capabilities. The main thing is to be extremely careful and careful, consult with specialists. The brake system of the car is the key to your safety on the road.

An extremely large number of accidents happen due to loss of control vehicle. Improving the brakes is vital when you increase engine power and love high speeds.

What is the first step to improve the braking system?

First, it is recommended to study the braking system and its structure. It is worth starting with changing the pads and discs to sports options. The pads are best purchased with a reinforced composition designed for our purposes. While they don't perform as well in quiet driving due to preheating requirements, they hold up well under heavy braking. During dynamic driving with regular and rather sharp brakes, such pads are not subject to overheating and demonstrate reliability.

The situation is similar with disks. If you have factory ones, you need to purchase ventilated discs with holes. When braked, they are not subject to overheating, which will prolong their performance. For better efficiency, it is recommended to use wheels from another car with larger dimensions. Braking will be better by increasing the contact area between the disc and pad.

The purchase of expensive ventilated discs, for example, on the site http://superbrakes.ru and, at the same time, saving on pads, quickly leads to ruining the discs. Experts advise sticking to one manufacturer in this matter, because in this case the material will be of the same type and balanced according to its data (minimal wear with a maximum coefficient of friction).

Our next step will be the installation of a more powerful vacuum booster. The more powerful it is, the faster the reaction of the brakes will be. The options in this matter would be to buy a modified large vacuum booster or use from another car. The installation of such equipment is important when improving the braking system and when braking on high speed his work is tangible. Brake performance will require less pedal effort.

It's time to start changing our drum brakes to disc brakes. The pros are:

With temperature growth, the indicators are quite stable.

The temperature resistance of the discs is higher, as is the improved cooling capacity.

Braking is more efficient, which reduces the deceleration time.

Smaller dimensions and weight

Increase in braking sensitivity.

Decreased response over time.

About seventy percent of the energy of a moving car is reduced to nothing by the front brakes. At the same time, the rear brakes reduce the load on the front.

Basically, if you have a car with no rear wheel drive the process is quite simple. The disadvantage is the search for a solution to modernize the handbrake. You will have to change the hub, install a caliper, install hoses instead of tubes, mount a disk and set up a pressure sensor. A rear-wheel drive car imposes some difficulties - a bridge needs to be replaced. It is much easier to find a suitable bridge from any vehicle.

Improvement of brakes cannot be limited only to disks. Interestingly, rubber hoses are prone to stretching or swelling. Since they “walk” a little, the efficiency of the braking system is an order of magnitude less, and the gas pedal has to be pressed in. To avoid such consequences, reinforced type hoses are used.

The next step of improvement is the replacement of additional components. This refers to the mounting of multi-piston mechanisms. The process requires significant changes, but in the end there is a completely replaced brake mechanism, which will clearly affect the result.

Warning: DO NOT tamper with factory brakes. After such frauds, you will have to forget about honest technical inspection. Do not forget that besides this, tuning can be unsafe for life.

Improving the braking system of a car is the topic of today's article. As the old saying goes, the brakes were invented by a coward, but sometimes, in order to decisively and in time to press the pedal, it takes remarkable self-control and driving skills, fixed reliable work vehicle braking system. Many car owners do their own car tuning.

Power increase power unit leads to the fact that braking becomes less effective and can lead to irreparable consequences. The installation of a more powerful, disc brake system will help to correct the situation.

Why install disc brakes instead of drum brakes? Their very first advantage in design: due to the rapid cooling, disc brakes are more durable and less prone to overheating, even after a series of intense pressures at high speed.

And the option using a front brake disc and an upgraded brake caliper on the rear wheels is also much more powerful than the standard one, manufacturer, drum brake system.

Of course, power and energy consumption are good, but the expected effect from this may not happen. Why? When braking, the front and rear mechanisms of the car are in different conditions. The car is "pressed" by the front axle, and the rear brake system is left without work.

For achievement optimal performance brake mechanisms, the wheels must be blocked absolutely synchronously, otherwise loss of stability and, as a result, skidding is inevitable.

The brake force regulator is responsible for equivalent wheel locking. Its job is to regulate the pressure in brake cylinders unloaded axle and prevents it from stalling and unwanted slipping.

Improving the brake system of the car - when installing a more powerful brake system, it is necessary to reconfigure the regulator. This is where the problems begin: the car slows down no better than with a regular drum system. The following happens: the brake force regulator, as it should be, evenly distributes the load on the front, weaker brakes, and the tuned rear brakes, to the detriment of the latter's efficiency.

The most rational solution in this case is to replace the front brakes with more powerful ones. This will help make the system fully balanced. The result will please you, and it's not even about the braking distance.

Disc brakes have a number of advantages besides high power. Firstly, they are more accurate with minimal backlash and come into operation quickly.

Disc brakes are not self-tightening, unlike drums, which, against the will of the driver, increase the braking force, which leads to sharp, hard-to-control braking. The first thing they notice when they put in a set of disc brakes is not the increased deceleration rate, but the smoothness of braking.

Improving the braking system of the car - get used to the good, and in this case also to the safe.