Abstract

The paper studies disc brake failure in Mini-buses using an experimental analysis to test the maximum braking force when different brake fluids such as clean, less dirty, dirty and soapy water solution were used in the braking system. The experimental results clearly showed that the soap solution appears to be the best fluid as far as low viscosity and stability of viscosity with increase in temperature are concerned. However, the soap solution is not compatible with other fluid which makes it difficult to be substitute as a clean brake fluid. The result of the Thepra Universal Brake Testing Equipment used for the braking efficiency test indicated that a pedal brake of 117 kN produce a brake force of 0.96 kN for clean brake fluid, 0.91 kN for the less dirty, 0.85 kN for dirty and 1.44 kN for soap solution. The value of 1.44 kN which was achieved when the soap solution was used indicated a positive braking force and the indicating that soap solution could be used to produce a high pedal force within a very short time (about 10-30 min) and can therefore be used only in case of emergency. The brake efficiency test indicated that under hot conditions the braking efficiency is reduced and the presence of air in the system renders the braking ineffective because higher pedal force was needed to be able to produce a significant braking force which is noted for causing brake failure.

Keywords:

Brake fade, brake failure, disc brake, efficiency, pedal force,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.