ACTIVE BRAKING TIME: Denotes the length of time a vehicle takes to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied.

ANCHOR END: Describes the end part of a brake shoe attached to a fixed point on a backing plate.

ANCHOR PIN: Describes the stationary portion of a duo-servo drum brake where the tops of the brake shoe rest; when the vehicle is moving forward, the secondary shoe rests against the anchor pin when the brakes are applied and conversely, when the vehicle is reversing, the primary shoe bears against it.

ANCHOR PLATE: Describes the static portion of a drum brake where the heels of the brake shoes are attached.

ASBESTOS: Describes a heat resistant and non-inflammable fibrous mineral widely used to produce brake shoes and clutch linings, among others. In later years asbestos was discovered to be a major health hazard.

AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER: Describes a category of brake adjusters that can be operated by applying the hand park brake to compensate for wear in the brake linings.

AUTOMATIC WEAR ADJUSTER: Describes a device that automatically compensates for the wear and tear of brakes.

BRAKE HOSE: Describes a flexible high-pressure reinforced hose connecting the brake pipes and the brake assembly.

BOOSTER: Describes a device incorporated in braking systems to increase the pressure output or decrease the amount of effort required to operate.

BINDING: Describes the rubbing of brake shoes against the drum or of brake pads against the disc.

BLEED: Describes the procedure used to remove air bubbles from hydraulic lines and components of a system.

BLEEDER: Describes the valve or screw used to vent the air out of a liquid-filled system.

BLEEDING A SYSTEM: Describes the procedure of removing air bubbles from a fuel injection system or cooling system so that they won't impede the flow of liquid through that system.

BLEEDING BRAKES: Describes the procedure of removing air from the hydraulic system, in which bleeder screws are loosened at each wheel cylinder (one at a time), and brake fluid is forced from the master cylinder through the lines until all air is expelled.

BONDED BRAKE LINING: Describes a brake lining attached to the brake shoe by an adhesive rather than by rivets.

BONDED LINING:  Describes a form of brake lining cemented to shoes or bands, eliminating the need for rivets

BRAKE ADJUSTER: Describes the device which moves the drum shoes closer to or further apart from the drum.

BRAKE ANTI-ROLL DEVICE: Describes a unit installed in the brake system to hold brake line pressure when the vehicle is stopped on an upgrade.

BRAKE BOOSTER: Describes a mechanical device that attaches to the brake system to multiply the force the driver applies

BRAKE CABLE: Describes a wire cable that activates the brakes.

BRAKE CYLINDER: Describes the cylinder containing a movable piston activated by hydraulic pressure to push fluid through the lines and wheel cylinders and force the brake lining or pads against a drum or disc.

BRAKE DISC TYPE:  Describes a braking system that uses a steel disc with calliper type lining application instead of using the conventional brake drum with internal brake shoes.

BRAKE DRUM: Describes the cast iron or aluminium housing bolted to the wheel that rotates around the brake shoes, exerting a braking effect upon the wheel to slow or stop the vehicle.

BRAKE FLUID: Describes the fluid used in hydraulic brake systems to stop or slow the vehicle.

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR:  Describes the translucent tank usually located in front of the master cylinder.

BRAKE FLUSHING: Describes the procedure of cleaning the brake system by flushing with brake fluid to remove water, dirt, or any other contaminant. Flushing fluid is placed in the master cylinder, where it is forced through the lines and wheel cylinders exiting at the cylinder bleed screws.

BRAKE LINING: Describes the heat-resistant friction material (usually asbestos) attached to the brake shoe, which stops the vehicle and prevents the drum and the shoe from wearing each other away.

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER: Describes the part of the hydraulic brake system which stores the brake fluid.

BRAKE PAD: Describes the friction material or lining secured to metal plates that will allow the wheel to stop when pressed.

BRAKE SHOE: Describes the part of the brake system located at the wheels, upon which the brake lining is attached. When the wheel cylinders are actuated by hydraulic pressure, they force the brake shoes apart and bring the lining into contact with the brake drum.

BRAKE SYSTEM: Describes the system where hydraulic pressure enables a vehicle to slow and stop safely.

BRAKE SYSTEM CLEANER: Describes the type of solvent designed exclusively for cleaning brake system components.

BRAKE TEST: Describes a testing procedure that determines the efficiency of a vehicle's brakes to pass safety tests.