#Disktracker instructions series#
The chemical composition and minimum performance requirements of the fluid are generally indicated through a rating such as "DOT3," DOT4," or "DOT5." The DOT-rating itself is assigned after a series of government tests. However, certain combinations of ingredients can significantly increase the cost of the fluid and may react with OEM materials to damage seals and induce corrosion throughout the braking system. Stated more bluntly, it is possible to reduce a fluid's sensitivity to temperature by varying the ingredients of the fluid. In the case of brake fluid, we generally must balance the fluid's sensitivity to temperature against its cost and its impact upon other components within the system. And like most things in the world, the addition of certain beneficial characteristics usually brings tradeoffs in other areas. Hence the development of "brake fluid." However, there unfortunately is no such thing as a "perfect" brake fluid. The "obvious" solution to this problem is to utilize a fluid that is less sensitive to temperature extremes. (Water would also present a big problem in cold weather if it froze to ice!) Since the boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it is easy to see that water within the brake system could boil easily – and therefore release gases into the brake pipes – which would reduce the efficiency of the system. In fact, it is not uncommon to see rotor temperatures during a race as high as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit – which can raise the temperature of the brake fluid to well over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. And the reality of this process is that certain parts of the braking system will be exposed to very high temperatures.
However, it is important to remember that the fundamental function of the braking system is to convert kinetic energy into heat energy through friction. In theory, even simple water would work – since, being a liquid, water cannot be compressed. This leads one to contemplate the type of liquid that is used as brake fluid. But often it is the result of high temperatures that cause brake fluid components to boil, thus releasing gasses from the boiling fluid into the brake hydraulic system.
#Disktracker instructions upgrade#
So how does air enter the lines in the first place? Sometimes, it can be the result of a service procedure or an upgrade – such as replacing the stock flex lines with stainless steel braided lines. Usually, a small amount of air within the brake system will contribute to a "mushy" or "soft" pedal (since less energy is required to compress the air than is required to move fluid throughout the brake lines.) If enough air enters the brake system, it can result in complete brake failure. In other words, when air is present within the system, the efficiency and effectiveness of the braking system is reduced. So when enough air fills the lines, input at the pedal merely causes the air to compress instead of creating pressure at the brake corners. When air (or vapor) becomes present within the lines, it creates inefficiencies within the system because, unlike liquid, air can be compressed. However, for the sake of simplicity we use the term "air" throughout this article to describe both air and fluid vapor. Technically, "air" only enters the lines if there is a compromise of the system's sealing (as when flex lines are removed or replaced), because when fluid boils, it will instead create "fluid vapor." Vapor in the brake fluid, like air, will create an efficiency loss in the braking system.
We bleed the brakes to release air that sometimes becomes trapped within the lines. (When you think about it, "bleeding" may appear to be a somewhat graphic term, but it aptly describes the release a vital fluid.) The term "bleeding the brakes" refers to the process in which a small valve is opened at the caliper (or wheel cylinder) to allow controlled amounts of brake fluid to escape the system. In order to keep the fluid in top condition, many enthusiasts have been taught to “bleed their brakes” but many have never stopped to ask the question “why?” Why Bleed the Brakes? The role of the brake fluid within the braking system is to transfer the force from the master cylinder to the corners of the car…and a vital characteristic of brake fluid that allows it to perform its task properly is its ability to maintain a liquid state and resist compression. By John Comeskey of SPS and James Walker, Jr of scR motorsports.
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