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 Shimano BR M486 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set 160mm 180mm Rotors Front Rear New OE $98.99 Time Remaining: 5d 15h 39m Buy It Now for only: $98.99 |
 Avid Elixir CR Mag Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset New $43.11 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 23m |
 Avid XO Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset X0 New $79.56 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 24m |
 Bicycle Bike Cycling 2012 Shimano BR M445 M446 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Set White $108.95 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 34m Buy It Now for only: $108.95 |
 NEW Hayes Stroker Ryde Hydraulic Disc Brakeset Front Rear $76.00 (27 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 30m |
 Shimano Deore XT Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset BR M785 New $70.99 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 32m |
 New Formula R1 Hydraulic Disc Brake MTB Set F R With F160 R160mm Rotor x2 Black $399.95 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 17m Buy It Now for only: $399.95 |
 Set of 4 new Magura Hydraulic brake pads new in pack $6.00 Time Remaining: 3h 13m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 Set of 4 new Magura Hydraulic brake pads new in pack $6.00 Time Remaining: 3h 13m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 TEKTRO AURIGA HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE FR SET 160mm NEW $88.87 Time Remaining: 23d 5h 5m Buy It Now for only: $88.87 |
 Set of 4 new Magura Hydraulic brake pads new in pack $6.00 Time Remaining: 3h 13m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 TEKTRO AURIGA HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE SET WHITE 160mm NEW $86.87 Time Remaining: 21d 7h 11m Buy It Now for only: $86.87 |
 SRAM XX Hydraulic Disc Brake Set $152.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h |
 2012 Shimano BR M445 M446 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Lever Set Black $65.00 Time Remaining: 23h 6m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 New Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Mountain Bike Brake 160 mm with rotors $99.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 25m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 Hayes Hydraulic HFX Mag Brake F R Set Front Rear Brakeset Brakes MTB Disc BRK $54.00 Time Remaining: 23h 58m Buy It Now for only: $60.00 |
 Shimano XTR M975 Hydraulic Disc Brake Caliper Set IS Mount NEW $179.95 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 57m |
 Shimano BR M486 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set 160mm Rotors Front Rear New OE $98.99 Time Remaining: 24d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $98.99 |
 Shimano XTR M975 Hydraulic Disc Brake Caliper Set IS Mount NEW $179.95 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 12m |
 PAIR Formula RX Hydraulic Disc Brakes F + R New MTB Set 1000 1650 WHITE $254.99 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 13m Buy It Now for only: $254.99 |
 Shimano XTR M975 Hydraulic Disc Brake Caliper Set IS Mount NEW $179.95 Time Remaining: 2d 8m |
 Brand New Shimano BR M445 M446 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Set $101.35 Time Remaining: 2d 52m |
 PAIR Formula The ONE Hydraulic Disc Brakes F + R New MTB Set 1000 1650 $399.99 Time Remaining: 24d 12h 48m Buy It Now for only: $399.99 |
 Shimano M445 Brake Set Hydraulic Disc Brakes Mountain Bike $20.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 2h 16m |
 Hayes Nine Brake Set Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc $48.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 2h 16m |
 New Formula RX Hydraulic Disc Brake MTB Set F R With 160F R160mm Rotor x2 White $299.95 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 11m Buy It Now for only: $299.95 |
 New Avid Elixir 1 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front Rear 160mm $99.99 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 48m Buy It Now for only: $109.99 |
 2012 Shimano M445 M446 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set FR Black White NEW $99.94 Time Remaining: 10d 13h 23m Buy It Now for only: $99.94 |
 Avid Elixir X0 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front and Rear Mountain Bike New Silver $137.85 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 19h 40m |
 New take off Shimano XT M775 Prebled Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake Set $199.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 9m |
 NEW AVID ELIXIR 5 185MM BLACK HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE SET NEW IN BOX SILVER $189.99 Time Remaining: 18d 19h 45m Buy It Now for only: $189.99 |
 NEW Shimano Deore XT Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset BR M785 $51.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 26m |
 NEW Avid Elixir R Hydraulic Disc Brakeset Rear $41.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 27m |
 PAIR Formula The ONE FR Hydraulic Disc Brakes F + R New MTB Set 1000 1650 $349.99 Time Remaining: 4d 18h 50m Buy It Now for only: $349.99 |
 NEW Avid XO Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset X0 $16.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 27m |
 Formula 2011 R1 MTB Hydraulic Disk Brake Set XC AM R 160mm F 180mm 700g Black $539.99 Time Remaining: 8d 16h 54m Buy It Now for only: $539.99 |
 NEW Shimano XTR M975 MTB Brake Lever Set Hydraulic Mountain Bike Cycling $101.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 2h 22m |
 NEW Avid Code R Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 160mm Grey 1600mm hose $124.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 New Formula RX Hydraulic Disc Brake MTB Set F R With 160mm Rotor X2 $279.95 Time Remaining: 7d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $279.95 |
 NEW Avid Elixir CR Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset 203mm Grey Blk 950mm hose $119.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $134.99 |
 NEW Avid Elixir CR Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 203mm Grey Blk 1600mm hose $119.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $134.99 |
 Avid XX Carbon Front Hydraulic Disc Brake Set 750mm $144.93 Time Remaining: 20d 10h 26m Buy It Now for only: $144.93 |
 NEW Avid Elixir R Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset 203mm Grey 950mm hose $74.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 |
 Bicycle Bike Cycling 2012 Shimano BR M445 M446 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Set Black $108.95 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 4m Buy It Now for only: $108.95 |
 NEW Avid Elixir R Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 203mm Grey 1600mm hose $74.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 |
 NEW Avid XO X0 Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset 160mm Black Red 850mm hose $149.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 New Bengal Helix 5 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front and Rear 160mm $129.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 19m Buy It Now for only: $129.99 |
 NEW Avid XO X0 Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset 185mm Black Red 900mm hose $149.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 NEW Avid XO X0 Hydraulic FRONT Disc Brakeset 203mm Black Red 950mm hose $149.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 New Sram Avid Juicy 3 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set DH FR XC mountain bike 160mm $88.88 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 22m Buy It Now for only: $88.88 |
 NEW Avid XO X0 Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 185mm Black Red 1600mm hose $149.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 21m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 Magura Marta SL Magnesium Hydraulic Mtb Disc Brake Set Rear RH White $249.93 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 53m Buy It Now for only: $249.93 |
 NEW Avid XO X0 Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 203mm Black Red 1600mm hose $149.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 21m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 NEW Avid XX Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 160mm Grey $169.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 21m Buy It Now for only: $189.99 |
 Shimano LX Disc FRONT REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LEVER SHIFTER SET $29.00 Time Remaining: 21d 20h 45m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 |
 NEW Avid XX Hydraulic REAR Disc Brakeset 185mm Grey $169.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 21m Buy It Now for only: $189.99 |
 BRAND New 2012 Shimano Saint M810 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Set 1 Pair $399.90 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 13m |
 Shimano M486 Hydraulic Brake Set 160mm 180mm Rotors $129.95 Time Remaining: 6d 22m Buy It Now for only: $129.95 |
 2012 Avid Elixir 1 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set White Front Rear No Reserve $1.75 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 53m |
 New Formula RX1 Hydraulic Disc Brake MTB Set F R With F160 R160mm Rotor x2 Blue $349.95 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 32m Buy It Now for only: $349.95 |
 Avid Juicy 3 Three Hydraulic Disc Brakes Front and Rear Set with Rotors $20.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 15h 28m |
 Set of 4 new Magura Hydraulic brake pads new in pack $6.00 Time Remaining: 4d 22h 41m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 Avid XX Carbon Rear Hydraulic Disc Brake Set 1500mm $149.96 Time Remaining: 21d 23h 51m Buy It Now for only: $149.96 |
 Set of 4 new Magura Hydraulic brake pads new in pack $6.00 Time Remaining: 4d 22h 41m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 Cannondale Coda Expert Hydraulic Disc Brakes Brakeset with new pads $1.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 2h 11m |
 2012 Shimano Deore XT Dyna Sys M785 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set FR $249.00 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $249.00 |
 Hayes Nine Rear Right Hydraulic Disc Brakeset Brake Caliper Mountain $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 18m |
 New Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Mountain Bike Brake 160mm with rotors Promax Hornet $99.99 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 57m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 Hayes Nine Front Left Hydraulic Disc Brakeset Brake Caliper Mountain $14.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 18m |
 SRAM XO X0 HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE SET NO RESERVE $56.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 2h 11m |
 Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic Front Disk Brake Set 160mm Rotor 1150mm Hose Black $53.99 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 27m Buy It Now for only: $53.99 |
 New Formula R1 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Flat Black $250.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 2h 20m |
 New Shimano XTR M975 Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever Set Front Rear $149.99 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 45m |
 Shimano XTR BL M975 Hydraulic Hydro Disc Brake Levers Set Left Right NEW $131.95 Time Remaining: 11d 4h 42m Buy It Now for only: $131.95 |
 New Formula R RX hydraulic disc brake set w rotors $174.99 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 32m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
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Understanding Your Parking Brake and How It Works
The parking brake is the runt of the brake system unless you drive around with it up! Most people know they should set it every time they get out of the car, but not everyone knows exactly how it works.
The parking brake is a device that works on the rear wheels of your vehicle. The biggest difference between your normal brakes and the parking brake is the parking version often uses a cable tension system instead of a hydraulic one. This is not necessarily true for new cars that have disc brakes on the rear, but is almost always the case in every other situation. So, how exactly does it work? Well, let's take a look.
The modern car is such that the days of pushing something no longer creates a direct action. Instead, the pushing creates an assisted reaction. Pressing the brakes while driving in the rain sends a mechanical and computerized signal to the brake system. The input from the pedal is boosted and the master cylinder pistons move to create hydraulic pressure that causes the brake system to work. If you press to hard, the ABS system on your car releases the brake pressure a tad to keep a skid from starting. This is all very technological and has nothing to do with how your parking brake works.
On most cars, the parking brake system is a grunt system. Put another way, you have to give it a good yank to engage it directly at the wheels. When you yank the parking brake up, a cable that runs to the brakes is contracted and the parking brake engages. When you release the parking brake, the cable goes slack and the parking brake releases. This is pretty much the same way it has worked since the first generation of parking brakes.
The exact function of the parking brake at the wheel, however, is unique. The specific process on your car depends on the type of brake system you have. If you have drum brakes on the rear, the cable will either engage those brakes or a smaller set of shoes that press against the drums. A car with disc brakes on the rear will either have the brake pads engage just as though the regular brakes were on or a small drum brake system will be built into the rotor and engage.
Whatever parking brake system you have, it is the one area left in your car where a good tug will have a direct result. Go ahead and give it a good one. Your brakes can handle it!
About the Author
Dirk Gibson writes brake articles for DCJAutoParts.com - your resource for high performance auto parts and aftermarket car parts online.