Pedal Box & Balance Bars

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Pedal Box Assemblies: Explained

A pedal box is a part that fixes the pedals in position and gives the driver more control over the type of driving they want to do. There are typically three levels or ratios of responsiveness on the assembly which typically covers any driving types or styles. The assembly will greatly improve responsiveness and reduce the delay between pushing the pedal and the engine responding. The torque does remain the same but it certainly makes the driver feel that they are accelerating faster. Overall, the extra control makes driving a lot more fun and makes the driver feel that they have much more control and they therefore feel safer too.

What are Balance Bars?

A balance bar is a component which is attached to the pedal box. When you are racing and you need to brake hard, particularly under poor weather conditions, it is preferable to have the front wheels to stop a little slower than the back as it can cause your vehicle to spin. To avoid this, the balance bar lets you control the balance of braking force. It is essential that your calipers are calibrated perfectly so that you can control the brake as much as possible. The balance bar absorbs the force of the push on the pedal and redistributes it to the rear and master cylinders. You can then easily direct braking force to your desired cylinder which gives you greater control of how the vehicle slows down by adjusting the position of the bar. This can be used alongside a brake bias adjuster which allows you to change the position on the bar and therefore the brake force distribution easily and while you are driving.

Different types of Pedal Boxes and Balance Bars:

There are floor mount, underslung and top mount assemblies, designed to suit your particular vehicle. The floor mounted assemblies feature the 3 different ratios of responsiveness which allow for either sharp or progressive clutch control and braking force. The pedals generally include roller ball bearings on the pedal pivots which makes for a much smoother experience. The underslung and top mounted assemblies are used where modification is not desirable. They mount the master cylinders to the back of the box. This provides the usual range at a high quality but can be used where it is necessary to mount like this.

There are several types of bars available in different materials including steel and alloy. They can be bought with a steel cross tube which allows it to be welded into position onto the pedal assembly. There is also space on the bar to allow for a remote cable adjuster to be welded on which will allow drivers to adjust the braking balance on the fly, giving more control and greater safety with every brake.

What Pedal Assemblies and Bars add to your vehicle:

Pedal boxes help a vehicle to achieve a better balance and give the driver more control. It allows for more gradients of control which lets the driver brake lightly as well as giving great autonomy under heavy breaking, especially in poor weather conditions. Ultimately, a pedal assembly can improve lap timings as well as driver safety.

The balance bar gives the driver the ability to decide how the vehicle comes to a stop. This can be used to avoid undesirable outcomes such as spinning or turning. By adjusting the position of the bar, the driver can direct force to the rear cylinders ensuring that there is a greater braking force at the back than the front which allows the vehicle to stop without spinning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pedal Box & Balance Bars

What does a bigger brake master cylinder do?

A bigger brake master cylinder increases the volume of brake fluid that can be pushed through the braking system. This can lead to several benefits:

  • Improved Brake Response: A larger cylinder can provide a quicker response when the brake pedal is pressed.
  • Increased Brake Force: It can generate more hydraulic pressure, enhancing the overall braking force applied to the wheels.
  • Better Performance with Larger Brakes: If larger brake calipers or rotors are installed, a bigger master cylinder can help maintain optimal performance.
  • Reduced Pedal Travel: It can decrease the distance the brake pedal needs to be pressed to achieve effective braking.

What does a brake master cylinder do?

The brake master cylinder is a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system. Its primary functions include:

  • Fluid Pressure Generation: It converts the force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure.
  • Brake Fluid Distribution: It distributes brake fluid to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders at each wheel.
  • System Monitoring: It often includes a reservoir to maintain the brake fluid level and may have a warning system for low fluid levels.
  • Dual Circuit Design: Many master cylinders have a dual circuit design for safety, ensuring that if one circuit fails, the other can still function.

What is the best material for brake lines?

The best materials for brake lines are:

  • Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion and offers excellent durability. Ideal for high-performance vehicles.
  • Copper-Nickel Alloy: Combines the benefits of copper and nickel, providing good corrosion resistance and flexibility.
  • Rubber: Commonly used for flexible brake lines, it offers good flexibility but may degrade over time due to heat and exposure to brake fluid.
  • PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Known for its chemical resistance and low friction, often used in high-performance applications.

How often should I change brake fluid?

It is generally recommended to change brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this can vary based on the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and driving conditions.

  • Check the owner's manual for specific recommendations.
  • Inspect brake fluid regularly for contamination or moisture.
  • Consider changing brake fluid more frequently if driving in harsh conditions.

What is a brake duct?

A brake duct is a component used in vehicles to enhance the cooling of the brake system. It directs airflow towards the brake components, helping to dissipate heat generated during braking. Key functions of brake ducts include:

  • Improving brake performance by maintaining optimal temperatures.
  • Reducing the risk of brake fade, which can occur when brakes overheat.
  • Extending the lifespan of brake components by preventing excessive heat buildup.
Brake ducts are commonly found in high-performance and racing vehicles, but they can also be beneficial in regular road cars, especially in demanding driving conditions.

Does anti-roll bar affect steering?

Yes, an anti-roll bar can affect steering. It plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle stability during cornering, which indirectly influences steering response. Effects of an anti-roll bar on steering include:

  • Improved Handling: By reducing body roll, the anti-roll bar helps keep the tyres in better contact with the road, enhancing grip and steering precision.
  • Steering Feedback: A stiffer anti-roll bar can provide more direct feedback to the driver, making the steering feel more responsive.
  • Understeer/Oversteer Balance: The design and stiffness of the anti-roll bar can influence the balance of the vehicle, potentially leading to understeer or oversteer, which affects steering behaviour.

Is an anti-roll bar necessary?

An anti-roll bar, also known as a sway bar, is not strictly necessary for a vehicle to operate, but it plays a significant role in enhancing handling and stability. Benefits of an anti-roll bar include:

  • Improved Handling: It reduces body roll during cornering, allowing for better control.
  • Increased Stability: It helps maintain a level stance, improving traction and grip.
  • Enhanced Safety: By minimising roll, it can prevent loss of control in sharp turns.
While some vehicles may perform adequately without one, especially in everyday driving conditions, an anti-roll bar is particularly beneficial for performance-oriented cars or those frequently driven in challenging conditions.

How do anti-roll bars affect handling?

Anti-roll bars, also known as sway bars, play a crucial role in a vehicle's handling by reducing body roll during cornering. They connect the left and right sides of the suspension, helping to distribute weight more evenly across the vehicle. Effects on Handling:

  • Improved Stability: Anti-roll bars enhance stability by limiting the amount of body lean, allowing for better control during turns.
  • Increased Grip: By reducing body roll, they help maintain tyre contact with the road, improving grip and traction.
  • Enhanced Cornering Performance: They allow for sharper and more responsive cornering, making the vehicle feel more agile.
  • Reduced Understeer/Oversteer: Adjusting the stiffness of anti-roll bars can help balance the handling characteristics, reducing tendencies towards understeer or oversteer.

Is an anti-roll bar necessary?

An anti-roll bar, also known as a sway bar, is not strictly necessary for a vehicle to function, but it plays a significant role in enhancing handling and stability. Benefits of an anti-roll bar include:

  • Improved Handling: It reduces body roll during cornering, allowing for better control.
  • Increased Stability: It helps maintain a level stance, improving traction and grip.
  • Enhanced Safety: By minimising roll, it can prevent loss of control in sharp turns.
While some vehicles may perform adequately without one, especially in everyday driving conditions, performance-oriented cars typically benefit from having an anti-roll bar for optimal handling characteristics.

Can you bleed brakes on your own?

Yes, you can bleed brakes on your own with the right tools and technique. Here’s how to do it: Tools Needed:

  • Brake fluid
  • Wrench or socket set
  • Clear plastic tubing
  • Container to catch fluid
  • Helper (optional)
Steps to Bleed Brakes:
  1. Start by ensuring the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine is off.
  2. Locate the brake bleeder valve on each brake caliper or wheel cylinder.
  3. Attach the clear plastic tubing to the bleeder valve and place the other end in a container.
  4. Have someone pump the brake pedal several times and hold it down.
  5. Open the bleeder valve to release air and old fluid, then close it before your helper releases the brake pedal.
  6. Repeat this process until you see clear, bubble-free fluid in the tubing.
  7. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and top it up as necessary.
Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your vehicle model, as procedures may vary.

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