What components apply hydraulic force to slow and stop a vehicle?

The components that apply hydraulic force to slow and stop a vehicle are the calipers and wheel cylinders. Calipers, usually found in disc brake systems, house the brake pads and are responsible for squeezing them against the brake rotors when hydraulic pressure is applied. This action creates the friction necessary to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Similarly, wheel cylinders operate in drum brake systems. They are responsible for pushing the brake shoes outward against the inside of the brake drum. When hydraulic pressure is applied through the brake lines, the wheel cylinders activate, pushing the shoes against the drum and generating the friction needed to decelerate the vehicle.

Both calipers and wheel cylinders are crucial in the braking process as they effectively convert hydraulic force from the brake fluid into mechanical force that brings the vehicle to a stop.