How to Check the Motorcycle Brake System?

Brake failure is life-threatening, and it is strictly forbidden to try to operate it. The motorcycle brake system consists of brake pads, brake discs, calipers, brake pumps, brake fluid and brake hoses. Some brake components need to be inspected regularly. Checking the motorcycle braking system is a top priority.

Components of Motorcycle Braking System

The motorcycle brake system is divided into front and rear two types. Front brake is also called hand brake, that is, handlebar switch for motorcycle. Rear brake is also called foot brake, namely motorcycle brake pedal. Generally, the front brake is operated by the right hand, and the rear brake is operated by the left hand or right foot.

The braking system is classified according to the driving mode, which can be divided into two types: mechanical type using wire rope or tie rod and hydraulic type using brake fluid. According to the structure classification of the friction part, it can be divided into two types: drum type (also called hoof type) and disc type (also called clamp type). Generally, motorcycles use drum brakes, while more powerful motorcycles use disc brakes.

Drum brakes, also called block brakes, are braked by pressing the brake pads on the brake wheels. The brake system is mainly composed of brake grips, brake cables, brake cams, brake arms, brake drums, brake covers, springs, brake pads and other components.

Disc brakes are mainly mechanical and hydraulic. Currently, hydraulic disc brakes are commonly used. It is controlled hydraulically. The main components are brake discs, sub-cylinders, brake calipers, oil pipes, etc.

In other words, the front wheel brake is controlled by the hand brake (motorcycle brake switch), and the rear wheel brake is completed by stepping on the brake pedal. There are two types of brake devices for motorcycles: mechanical drum brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. The structure of the drum brake is similar to that of automobiles and tractors. The brake shoe is formed by die-casting aluminum alloy, and friction brake pads are glued on it. The brake cam is rotated by the brake arm and the brake shoe is pushed aside for the purpose of braking.

The brake is composed of oil tank, plunger valve oil pump, hydraulic oil pipe, brake caliper, brake disc, etc. The brake is staggered and fixed together with the front fork guide, which is the fixed part of the brake device. The brake disc is fixed to the wheel and rotates with the wheel. When braking, hold the brake handle firmly, the plunger valve moves, pushing the hydraulic oil into the two cylinders of the brake caliper along the hydraulic oil pipe. Under the action of pressure oil, the oil cylinder pushes the friction plate to clamp the brake disc tightly from both sides, which produces a great friction resistance, forcing the wheels to stop rotating. When the brake lever is released, the pressure in the hydraulic oil circuit drops rapidly, and the oil cylinder drives the friction plate to return to its original position to release the brake.

Check the Content of the Motorcycle's Brake System

The content of checking the brake system of a motorcycle mainly includes worn brake pads, worn brake discs and brake fluid.

The liner is usually marked with a wear limit. If the thickness of the motorcycle brake pad is less than 2mm, please replace it as soon as possible, otherwise the brake disc will be affected. If the brake pads are in good condition, clean them with a little brake cleaner after a long journey. Try not to use NAO materials to replace semi-metal brake pads.

The maximum wear limit of the brake disc is 4 mm. Below this limit, all parts of the motorcycle wheel hubs are unsafe.

Brake oil is used by the hydraulic brake booster oil pump as a force transmission medium. The brake pedal pushes the piston of the master cylinder, and the piston applies force to the brake fluid. The oil pipe can be arranged at will, so it is convenient to arrange the brake system. Then the pressure of the brake fluid acts on the brake cylinder, and finally pushes the brake element to form a braking force. The same principle applies to hydraulic clutches.