Principle of Operation: CBC
CBC is a further development of the ABS system which, together with EBV, helps to keep the vehicle under control under all braking, vehicle loading and steering conditions.
The CBC system is fitted to all versions of the MINI. It is permanently engaged and cannot be disabled by the driver.
When the brakes are applied, weight is transferred to the front axle of the vehicle. If this occurs during cornering or directional change, the self-steering properties of the vehicle have a tendency to turn the vehicle into the curve (slight oversteer).
This tendency is normally compensated for by the design characteristics (elastokinematics) of the suspension and by intuitive steering adjustment by the driver.
The CBC system adjusts hydraulic pressure to each individual wheel under these circumstances to optimize directional stability.
Application of adequate rear axle brake force is largely responsible for vehicle stability when braking in a corner or during directional changes. The CBC system provides the precondition to enable rear brakes with larger pistons to be fitted to the vehicle (pistons with a greater diameter will apply greater brake forces for a given brake pressure).
Overall braking efficiency and pad life are also optimized with the fitting of larger rear brakes. The CBC system is controlled by the ABS control unit and operates using the same slip detection and brake modulation principles as the ABS system. However, CBC intervenes at relatively lower system pressures.
CBC operates about 1% of the time during braking operations.