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MECHANICAL BRAKES
Read section A and B completely prior to operation or repair of golf car
F-3
Fig. F1: Mechanical Brake System
BRAKE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
General Description
This vehicle is equipped with a mechanically activated rear drum brake system. The brake system
consists of a service brake and parking brake pedal, parking brake release linkage, Compensator
assembly, equalizer link, brake cable, and self adjusting wheel brake assembly (Ref Fig. F1).
Although the brake system is similar to an automobile, it is different in important ways. The system
operates in a very severe environment. Fertilizer, dust, grass clippings, tree roots and other objects
can cause corrosion and physical damage to the brake components. Unlike automotive hydraulic
brakes, mechanical brakes depend on the travel of the brake cables to move the brake shoes against
the brake drums. The travel of the brake cables is governed by the brake pedal. If the cables cannot
travel far enough to absorb the slack (free travel) in the system and still apply the shoes to the drums,
the braking effort at the wheel brake will not be adequate. The self adjusting mechanism in the wheel
brakes requires enough cable travel at the wheel brake to work reliably. When the brake is released,
there must be slack in the system so the brakes will release fully and the adjusters will function. s Free
pedal travel, pedal force, shoe to drum clearance and braking capability are closely related. It is very
important to maintain the proper relationships to assure braking performance and the best wheel brake
adjustment.