
164 Forensic Engineering Fundamentals
Brake System Overview
e basic functions of a brake system are to slow a vehicle’s speed, to maintain its speed
during downhill operations, and to hold a vehicle stationary aer it has come to a com-
plete stop. ese basic functions must be performed during normal operation of the
brakes. Additionally, a certain amount of braking eectiveness is needed during a brake
system failure. A typical automotive, small truck hydraulic brake system is illustrated in
Figure 6.31.
All brake systems can be divided into four basic subsystems as follows: ese four basic
subsystems apply to all the braking systems in passenger ...