Brake systems are one of the most important yet least understood vehicle systems. Brake systems can be intimidating, and they aren't the first thing the average horsepower junkie chooses to upgrade. But there's no reason to wait until you have a problem to learn how your brakes work. High-Performance Brake Systems: Design, Selection, and Installation gives you the knowledge to upgrade your brakes the right way the first time.
Author James Walker, Jr. doesn't just tell you what to do--he uses over 315 photos and plain English to help you understand how and why your brake system works, what each of the components does, and how to intelligently upgrade your brakes for better performance. There are chapters showing you how to choose and install the most effective rotors, calipers, pads, and tires for your sports car, muscle car, race car, and street rod. You'll even find special sidebars detailing how each upgrade will affect your ABS system. Whether you are a commuter, a casual enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or a professional racer, this book is perfect for you.
Biography
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: Energy Conversion
The Conservation of Energy
Where Energy Comes From
Friction
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Energy Transformation
Energy and the Brake System
Calculating Brake System Temperature
Importance of Brake Sizing
Chapter 2: Tires Stop the Car
The First Law of Motion
Brake Forces
Tire Slip
How Brake Forces are Generated
The Mu-Slip Curve
Choosing the Best Tires
Calculating Maximum Deceleration
Chapter 3: Brake System Design
Driver Applied Force
Brake System Overview
Brake Corner Gain
Summing Forces
Overall Brake System Gain
Calculating Deceleration
Calculating Stopping Distance
Brake System Modifications
Chapter 4: Brake Balance
Brake Force and Corner Weight
Perfect Balance
Static Weight Distribution
The Second Law of Motion
Dynamic Weight Distribution
The Benefits of Perfect Balance
Front Brake Bias
Rear Brake Bias
Measuring Brake Balance
Changing Brake Balance
Chapter 5: The Apply System
Brake Pedal Components
OEM Brake Pedals
Racing Brake Pedals
Brake Boosters
Vacuum Boosters
Hydraulic Boosters
Master Cylinders
Rear Brake Pressure Reduction
Balance Bars
Proportioning Valves
Chapter 6: Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid 101
FMVSS116
Boiling Points
Water Adsorption
DOT Ratings
Brake Fluid Compatibility
Brake Fluid Maintenance
Brake Bleeding
Chapter 7: Brake Lines and Brake Hoses
Hydraulic Circuit Design
Brake Lines
Flare Fittings
Brake Hoses
Banjo Fittings
Stainless Steel Brake Hoses
Brake systems are one of the most important yet least understood vehicle systems. Brake systems can be intimidating, and they aren't the first thing the average horsepower junkie chooses to upgrade. But there's no reason to wait until you have a problem to learn how your brakes work. High-Performance Brake Systems: Design, Selection, and Installation gives you the knowledge to upgrade your brakes the right way the first time.
Author James Walker, Jr. doesn't just tell you what to do--he uses over 315 photos and plain English to help you understand how and why your brake system works, what each of the components does, and how to intelligently upgrade your brakes for better performance. There are chapters showing you how to choose and install the most effective rotors, calipers, pads, and tires for your sports car, muscle car, race car, and street rod. You'll even find special sidebars detailing how each upgrade will affect your ABS system. Whether you are a commuter, a casual enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or a professional racer, this book is perfect for you.
Biography
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: Energy Conversion
The Conservation of Energy
Where Energy Comes From
Friction
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Energy Transformation
Energy and the Brake System
Calculating Brake System Temperature
Importance of Brake Sizing
Chapter 2: Tires Stop the Car
The First Law of Motion
Brake Forces
Tire Slip
How Brake Forces are Generated
The Mu-Slip Curve
Choosing the Best Tires
Calculating Maximum Deceleration
Chapter 3: Brake System Design
Driver Applied Force
Brake System Overview
Brake Corner Gain
Summing Forces
Overall Brake System Gain
Calculating Deceleration
Calculating Stopping Distance
Brake System Modifications
Chapter 4: Brake Balance
Brake Force and Corner Weight
Perfect Balance
Static Weight Distribution
The Second Law of Motion
Dynamic Weight Distribution
The Benefits of Perfect Balance
Front Brake Bias
Rear Brake Bias
Measuring Brake Balance
Changing Brake Balance
Chapter 5: The Apply System
Brake Pedal Components
OEM Brake Pedals
Racing Brake Pedals
Brake Boosters
Vacuum Boosters
Hydraulic Boosters
Master Cylinders
Rear Brake Pressure Reduction
Balance Bars
Proportioning Valves
Chapter 6: Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid 101
FMVSS116
Boiling Points
Water Adsorption
DOT Ratings
Brake Fluid Compatibility
Brake Fluid Maintenance
Brake Bleeding
Chapter 7: Brake Lines and Brake Hoses
Hydraulic Circuit Design
Brake Lines
Flare Fittings
Brake Hoses
Banjo Fittings
Stainless Steel Brake Hoses