Description & Operation

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Suzuki XL-7, 2004 Suzuki Vitara, 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2003 Suzuki XL-7, and 2003 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: For warnings and procedures regarding vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), see appropriate ANTI-LOCK article.

Hydraulically operated brake system uses a tandem master cylinder, with vacuum-assisted power brake booster and single-piston, sliding caliper front disc brakes. All models have self-adjusting rear drum brakes and cable-actuated rear parking brakes. ABS is optional on all models.

The master cylinder is a tandem master cylinder. Brake pipes are connected to the master cylinder and they make two independent circuits. One circuit connects to front brakes, the other connects to rear brakes. On all models, the disc brake type is used for the front wheel brake and a drum brake type (leading/trailing shoes) for the rear brake.

On models without ABS, a Load Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV) controls hydraulic pressure applied to rear brakes according to vehicle load, and will allow direct pressure to rear brakes should any failure occur in the hydraulic circuit of front brakes (fail-safe function). On Vitara with ABS, a proportioning valve is attached to master cylinder. On Grand Vitara and XL-7 with ABS, an Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system replaces need for a proportioning valve.