Parts for your 2017 Ford Fiesta-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2017 Ford Fiesta: What You Need to Know

When talking about brakes, especially on the 2017 Ford Fiesta, it's important to understand the components that make the system work smoothly. One common part that comes up in brake discussions is the brake wheel cylinder. However, for this particular model year and vehicle type, brake wheel cylinders are not actually used. Instead, the 2017 Ford Fiesta employs a different setup in its braking system, which is why understanding the use and function of brake wheel cylinders is relevant mainly to other types of brake systems.

The reason brake wheel cylinders are not used on the 2017 Ford Fiesta comes down to the type of braking system fitted to the car. In general, brake wheel cylinders are found in drum brake systems, where they play a vital role in pushing the brake shoes against the drum to create the stopping force. Drum brakes are more common on older vehicles or as rear brakes on some models. However, the 2017 Ford Fiesta comes equipped with disc brakes all around, which is a typical upgrade for many modern small cars, especially in markets such as Australia.

Disc brakes on the Fiesta use calipers and brake pads rather than drum brakes and wheel cylinders. Instead of a wheel cylinder, disc brakes rely on calipers, which contain pistons that push the brake pads onto a rotating disc or rotor. This difference is key to why a brake wheel cylinder is not relevant for the 2017 Ford Fiesta. The disc brake system provides better stopping power, improved heat dissipation, and is generally easier to service than drum brakes.

For those who might be more curious about brake wheel cylinders, they are small hydraulic components located inside the drum brake assembly. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid flows into the brake wheel cylinder, and its pistons push outward against the brake shoes, forcing them to contact the brake drum's inner surface. This friction slows down the wheels and stops the car. The design is simple but effective, and while it still sees use in many vehicles worldwide, it is less common on the front brakes of newer cars and not used at all on the 2017 Ford Fiesta.

Disc brakes, like those on the Fiesta, eliminate the need for brake wheel cylinders by replacing them with caliper pistons that perform the same hydraulic function but in a different way. The caliper piston applies pressure directly to the brake pads, squeezing them against the rotor to create friction and stop the vehicle. This setup is more efficient, especially under heavy braking, which is why manufacturers prefer disc brakes for modern cars.

If someone owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta, they won't need to worry about brake wheel cylinder maintenance or replacement. Instead, attention should be focused on the brake pads, brake discs (rotors), calipers, brake fluid, and brake lines. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of these components will keep the braking system in top shape and ensure safety on the road.

When servicing the brakes on a 2017 Ford Fiesta, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Brake pads wear down over time and need replacing to maintain effective braking performance.
• Brake discs can develop grooves or become warped from heat and stress, so they should be inspected regularly and replaced or machined if necessary.
• Brake calipers can sometimes seize or leak, impacting braking efficiency, so it's important to check them during routine servicing.
• Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can reduce braking performance and corrode system components. Flushing and replacing brake fluid every couple of years is recommended.
• Brake hoses and lines should be inspected for cracks or leaks to avoid brake failure.

Since the 2017 Ford Fiesta uses disc brakes front and rear, the maintenance routine is somewhat simplified compared to vehicles with mixed systems. There are no brake wheel cylinders to check or repair, so this removes one potential point of failure. This adds to the overall reliability and performance of the car's braking system.

For those more used to dealing with older vehicles or those with rear drum brakes, it's worth noting that brake wheel cylinders are a common cause of leaks and brake issues in those systems. Leaking wheel cylinders can cause brake fluid loss, uneven braking, and potentially dangerous situations. Regular inspection is crucial on drum brake setups. But again, this doesn't apply to the 2017 Ford Fiesta since it is equipped with disc brakes, making wheel cylinders irrelevant for this model.

In essence, the brake wheel cylinder is a crucial part of drum brake systems but has no place in the braking system of the 2017 Ford Fiesta. Instead, the Fiesta benefits from a full disc brake setup that is easier to maintain, offers better braking performance, and eliminates certain common issues that can come with drum brakes and wheel cylinders. If servicing your Fiesta, focusing on the condition of brake pads, discs, calipers, and brake fluid will keep the car stopping safely and efficiently.