Unit 8: Automotive Industries

Automotive Industries Unit 8
1 Read the text. Label the diagrams of brake systems with the words in bold.
2 10
1 3
7 5
Mechanical parking brake system
6
Hydraulic brake operating system
Most light vehicles have a hydraulic brake operating system. In this system, the disk brakes on the front wheels and
the drum brakes on the rear wheels are operated by a single-line hydraulic layout. Each of the brakes is supplied
with brake fluid from a master cylinder. The pressure of the fluid in the master cylinder is controlled by the driver
by means of the footbrake. There is a brake fluid reservoir above it which holds an extra supply of brake fluid. When
the pedal is depressed, this forces fluid along the pipes to the four brakes and applies them. Greater pressure on the
J7276
footbrake increases the operating pressure in the brakes. PEARSON Technical English
Automotive Industries
Regulations require that a separate mechanical parking brake (handbrake) must be provided which operates on
aw_08_01a
at least two wheels of the vehicle. This holds the vehicle stationary while it is left unattended. The parking brake
can also function as a handbrake if there is a major failure with the main braking system. Normally, the handbrake
operates on the rear drum brakes and is linked to them via a cable. The handbrake mechanism is operated by a lever,
which is held in the ‘on’ position by a ratchet and pawl mechanism.
2 What do the words in italics refer to?

1 it (line 4) a) the brake fluid b) the master cylinder c) the footbrake
2 which (line 4) a) the brake fluid b) the master cylinder c) the brake fluid reservoir
3 this (line 5) a) the brake fluid b) the pedal is depressed c) the pedal
4 them (line 5) a) the pipes b) the brakes c) the operating pressure
5 which (line 7) a) Regulations b) the parking brake c) the vehicle
6 This (line 8) a) Regulations b) the mechanical parking brake c) two wheels
7 it (line 8) a) the handbrake b) the vehicle c) the parking brake
8 them (line 10) a) the drum brakes b) the rear c) the two wheels
9 which (line 11) a) the cable b) the handbrake c) the lever
© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish

3 Complete the descriptions of drum brakes and disk brakes with words from the diagrams.
Drum brakes consist of two (1) shoes , which are fixed to a (2) , which is fixed to
an (3) . (4) are riveted to the outer faces of each shoe. When the brake
pedal is operated, this increases the hydraulic pressure in the (5) to the hydraulic cylinder and
forces the two (6) into contact with a rotating (7) , which is fixed to the
wheel hub by the wheel nuts. When the wheel rotates freely, the brake drum rotates with it, but the brake shoes do
not move. The inner surface of the drum is ground smooth, so that the shoe linings can rub against it. This can cause
overheating, which reduces friction, and can cause the drum brakes to fade and lose braking efficiency. Drum brakes
are fitted to the rear wheels of many vehicles.
Disk brakes consist of an exposed (8) disk , which is bolted to the wheel hub and which rotates
between two (9) . When the brake pedal is operated, this increases the hydraulic pressure in
the (10) and forces the two (11) into contact with the rotating brake
(12) . An (13) ensures that the two (14) force the
friction pads onto the rotating disk at the same time. Friction between the pads and the disks slows the rotation of
the disk. The surface of the disk is exposed to the air, which cools the disk while the car is moving. Disk brakes are
fitted to the front wheels of most vehicles, as most of the braking power is required there.
friction linings disk bolted to

wheel hub
back-plate
shoes
pistons
axle tube
interconnecting
pipe
supply pipe
drum
supply pipe from
friction pads master cylinder
drum brakes disk brakes
4 Answer the questions about the texts in 3.

1 In which type of brake does a friction pad rub against a disk? A disk brake
2 In which type of brake does a shoe rub against a drum?
3 Does passing air cool a drum brake or a disk brake better?
4 Which wheels of a vehicle usually have disk brakes? J7276
PEARSON Technical English
Automotive Industries
5 Which wheels of a vehicle sometimes have drum brakes? aw_08_02a
6 When is the pressure in a hydraulic brake system increased?

Word List
5 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS VERBS
cable depress
disk expose
drum fade
footbrake rivet
friction ADJECTIVES
handbrake exposed
lining hydraulic
reservoir interconnecting
shoe mechanical
NOUN PHRASES stationary
axle tube
back plate
brake fluid
disk brake
drum brake
friction pad
wheel hub

Unit 8: Automotive Industries

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Automotive Industries Unit 8

Hydraulic brake operating system

2 What do the words in italics refer to?

© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish

friction linings disk bolted to

drum brakes disk brakes

4 Answer the questions about the texts in 3.

6 When is the pressure in a hydraulic brake system increased?

© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish

NOUN PHRASES stationary

© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish

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