What is the surface in brake systems that is used to produce friction?

The surface in brake systems that is used to produce friction is primarily found in the brake lining. The brake lining is a material that is designed specifically to provide the necessary friction when pressed against the brake rotor or brake drum. This friction is what slows down or stops a vehicle when the brakes are applied.

Brake linings are typically made from high-friction materials that can withstand high temperatures and wear over time, ensuring effective braking performance. They are mounted on the brake shoes in drum brake systems or on the calipers in disc brake systems. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake lining makes contact with the rotor or drum, converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, which reduces the speed of the vehicle.

The other components mentioned—brake fluid, brake drums, and brake rotors—play important roles in the braking process, but they are not the surfaces where friction is generated. Brake fluid is essential for transferring force from the brake pedal to the brakes but does not produce friction itself. Brake drums and brake rotors are the components against which the brake linings apply pressure to create the friction needed to slow down or stop the vehicle.