Inside Tesla's Brake Booster (And How To Use It On Any Car)

Summary

The video explains how to install and use a Tesla brake booster in a project car, offering a straightforward and efficient approach. It covers the history of brake systems, the evolution from vacuum boosters to electric ones, and why Tesla initially used older technology. The creator discusses taking apart the booster, explaining its components and functionality. He highlights how the Tesla booster compares to traditional systems and suggests using a Honda Accord brake booster as a cheaper and simpler alternative. The video avoids unnecessary content, focusing on practical advice and technical insights.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Tesla brake booster works similarly to a normal brake booster with a few modern advancements.
• 🔌 Early Model S Teslas used a vacuum pump for brake assist, but this was eventually upgraded to Bosch’s electric iBooster.
• ⚙️ The iBooster system uses three wires for installation: a ground, a power wire, and a switch wire.
• 🧲 The iBooster uses a sensor to measure brake pressure through the displacement of a spring, allowing for more precise braking.
• 💥 Electric brake systems like iBooster eliminate reliance on vacuum systems from internal combustion engines, making them more versatile and efficient.
• ⚡ Electric boosters can provide customizable assist levels and work independently of engine function, unlike vacuum boosters.
• 🔧 The iBooster is adaptable for older vehicles, but you’ll need specific wiring harnesses or to wire it manually.
• 💡 Gen 2 iBoosters are used in Teslas and Honda Accords, but the Honda versions are often cheaper and easier to install.
• 🏎️ Electric boosters are not dependent on engine vacuum, so they continue working even if the engine stalls or fails.
• 🛠️ Installing a Tesla iBooster requires minor modifications, such as adjusting the brake reservoir angle due to the original angled mounting in Teslas.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video about the Tesla brake booster?

The video aims to explain how the Tesla brake booster works, its installation, and how to use it in a project car.

How does a traditional brake booster work?

A traditional brake booster uses vacuum pressure from the engine intake, creating a pressure difference on either side of a membrane to assist with braking.

What was Tesla's initial solution for brake boosters in early Model S cars?

Tesla initially used a regular vacuum brake booster connected to a vacuum pump, as electric vehicles don't have vacuum pressure from an engine.

What is the iBooster, and why did Tesla start using it?

The iBooster is an electric brake assist system made by Bosch. Tesla started using it because it doesn’t rely on vacuum pressure, making it ideal for electric vehicles.

What are the main components of the Tesla iBooster?

The Tesla iBooster has three main components: the motor with electronics for control, the mechanical part that assists braking, and a cover that houses the spring.

How does the electric brake booster assist the driver in braking?

The electric brake booster senses how much force the driver applies to the brake pedal and uses a motor to provide additional braking force, making it easier to stop the car.

What is Hooke’s Law, and how does it relate to the iBooster?

Hooke’s Law states that a spring's displacement is proportional to the force applied. In the iBooster, this principle helps measure the force the driver applies to the brakes.

What is the advantage of electric brake boosters over vacuum boosters?

Electric brake boosters are more reliable, work without engine vacuum, and can adjust braking force based on inputs like stability control or track mode, making them more versatile.

How do you install the Tesla iBooster in a project car?

You install the Tesla iBooster like a normal brake booster, then connect three wires: a black wire to ground, a red wire to positive with a 40-amp fuse, and a yellow wire to 12V with a 5-amp fuse.

Why might using a Honda Accord brake booster be a better option?

The Honda Accord brake booster (2018 or newer) uses the same iBooster technology as Tesla’s but is cheaper and more readily available.