Are the Brakes of Rear-Wheel Drive Cars on the Front or Rear Wheels?
2 Answers
Brakes are present on both the front and rear wheels. For sedans and compact cars, braking primarily relies on the front wheels, with the rear wheels serving as auxiliary support. However, the rear wheels also function as the parking brake. Generally, front wheels are equipped with disc brakes (with one brake caliper per wheel), while most rear wheels use drum brakes (with two brake cylinders per wheel). Drum brakes are less effective than disc brakes. Here is additional information: Rear-Wheel Drive Cars: Acceleration and braking operate in a relatively straightforward manner, as these are linear motions. Essentially, they maximize the friction between the tires and the road. During acceleration, it is noticeable that the front of the car lifts up—more pronounced in some vehicles and subtler in others. This lifting effect is particularly evident when starting with the foot brake applied or the parking brake engaged.
As someone with years of driving experience, I've driven various rear-wheel-drive cars like Mercedes and BMW, and found that braking isn't limited to just the front or rear wheels; it always functions on all four wheels. During braking, the vehicle's weight shifts forward, so the front wheels bear more load and braking force, accounting for about 70% to 80%. This is particularly noticeable when hard braking in a rear-wheel-drive car—you feel the entire front end dip, with the front wheels dominating the deceleration. Rear-wheel drive is only responsible for power delivery, but the braking system operates independently, involving brake discs, calipers, and hydraulic lines to each wheel. Regularly checking the wear of front and rear brake pads is crucial, especially after aggressive driving, to avoid instability caused by rear brake failure. Remember, safety first—any vehicle must ensure balanced braking.
