Rear Disc Brakes

DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (REAR)





There are several distinctive features to the rear disc brakes on this vehicle. The single piston, floating caliper rear disc brake system includes a hub and bearing assembly, adapter, rotor, caliper, and brake shoes. This vehicle is equipped with a caliper having a 42 mm (1.65 inch) piston and uses a 15 inch solid nonvented brake rotor. The brake rotor is described as a drum-in-hat style because of its dual role as a braking disc and parking brake drum. The parking brake system on vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes consists of a small duo-servo drum brake mounted to the caliper adapter and uses the interior of the rear disc brake rotor as a drum (hat section of drum-in-hat style brake rotor). The outboard rear disc brake shoes (pads) are side-oriented. The shoes are marked indicating which side they belong on.

DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (EXPORT)
All vehicles are equipped with Four-Wheel-Disc brakes. Both 15" (BRE) and 16" (BR3) disc/disc brake systems are available. The disc brakes are manufactured by Continental Teves. The BR3 system is standard equipment on all-wheel drive and all right-hand drive models. It is optional on other models. The BR3 system features larger, externally vented front brake rotors. Although there are different disc/disc systems, they are serviced using the same service procedures. Some specifications differ.

OPERATION - DISC BRAKES (FRONT)

Fig. 2 Piston Seal Function:

When the brakes are applied, fluid pressure is sent to each brake caliper. The pressure at the caliper is exerted equally against the caliper piston. The pressure applied to the piston is transmitted directly to the inboard brake shoe. This forces the shoe lining against the inner surface of the brake rotor. At the same time, fluid pressure within the caliper piston bore forces the caliper to slide inward on its guide pins. This action brings the outboard shoe lining into contact with the outer surface of the brake rotor. This pressure on both sides of the brake rotor causes friction, bringing the vehicle to a stop. When the brake pedal is released, so is the fluid pressure. The piston seal inside the caliper is designed to pull the piston back into the bore of the caliper when the brake pedal is released. This action helps maintain the proper brake shoe-to-rotor clearance. As disc brake shoe linings wear, master cylinder reservoir brake fluid level will drop. Adjust as necessary. Fluid level should always be checked after replacing shoes.

OPERATION - DISC BRAKES (REAR)
The rear disc brakes operate similarly to front disc brakes, however, there are some features that require different service procedures.